Wakefield police launch district's first modern slavery operation

Businesses across Wakefield have been visited by police investigating human trafficking in the first operation of its kind in the District.
Wakefield District Police are encouraging potential human trafficking victims to come forwards and seek help following a day of action with partners including the charity Hope for Justice and Wakefield Council. Detectives and colleagues including immigration officials and the Environment Agency visited a number of businesses employing manual labour across the district last week to speak to employees. No-one came forward during the operation to say they had been trafficked or exploited but a number of pieces of intelligence were received. The operation was the first part of a wave of planned activity across Wakefield District over the coming months to investigate trafficking and modern slavery. Those who benefit from trafficking others need to know that justice will catch up with them, and victims should know that in West Yorkshire the resources and support are in place to protect them. If you have any information on potential human trafficking or modern day slavery call police on 101. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.