Arrest during modern slavery operation

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) conducted a modern slavery operation making one arrest.  

The operation took place on yesterday (Thursday 12 December) after intelligence was received relating to several women potentially being sexually exploited at an address in Elstree.

Officers from the MSHTU visited the address and it quickly became clear that a woman at the property was in distress. The woman was given safeguarding support and it transpired that she was a foreign national who had travelled to the UK but had quickly been trafficked into sex work.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Watkins, from the MSHTU, said: “This unfortunately is not an uncommon story of someone coming into the country and, because they are vulnerable, falling under someone else’s control. Often people in this situation have very little control over how they work or what hours they work. Any money earnt is often kept by the person controlling them and they may not even be able to leave as they are frightened or have their travel documents taken away from them.  

“This kind of exploitation is under reported in Hertfordshire, but it is a serious problem which continues to affect large numbers of people across the UK. The more people that are aware of the signs that someone is being exploited and reports their suspicions, the more chance we have of putting a stop to it.”

A 50-year-old man from Dunstable was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and modern slavery offences. He has been released on bail whilst the investigation continues.

Anyone with concerns about human trafficking or modern slavery should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. In an emergency call 999. The Beacon victim support service hotline, 03000 11 55 55 is open from Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am-5pm.