Human trafficking campaign

[24 June 2008]

Beneath the surface of society there are many foreign nationals working illegally to serve the needs of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Some of them are the victims of organised crime which uses their ignorance and desperation to exploit them and subject them to inhuman conditions. People, often with little knowledge of English or their rights, are tricked into virtual slavery by criminals who grow fat on the profits they make from their victims.

“Your call could break the chain of human misery,” says Simon Theobalds for Crimestoppers. “The traffickers make a rich living off the wretched people they have cheated, abused and – in some cases – enslaved. If the public were vigilant and looked for the signs, more of the criminals will be caught and more innocent people will be set free. Crimestoppers is the ideal way for people who are fearful to pass information, safe in the knowledge that no one will know they phoned.” The police and the UK Borders Agency need more information from the public to protect those who are being abused by traffickers, gang masters and ruthless employers.

“The victims do not have a voice because they are forcibly controlled and they are too scared to ask for help,” said ACC Steve Watts, whose portfolio includes responsibility for human trafficking in Hampshire. “The public has an important role to play. We appreciate that there will be those who do not wish to contact the police directly with what they know and that is why this link with Crimestoppers is vital.” Hugh Ind adds, “We want to realise the many benefits of migration and to operate successfully in the global economy. But we must also tackle the damage caused by people traffickers and illegal working. Employers who ignore their responsibilities are supporting the evil trade of trafficking. Tell us who they are.”

Crimestoppers is working with a number of agencies to highlight the problem and detail the signs which can be spotted by the public once they know what to look for. Publicity material promoting the relevant agencies will be distributed through the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and will be available to other organisations –like NHS employees, Social Services and community groups such as Neighbourhood Watch. The plea is for people to open their eyes, face up to some of the uncomfortable truths and to take action.

Read 'The Signs of human trafficking' so that you can help to spot abused foreign nationals in your community