Police arrest 18 people after modern slavery raids at car washes and nail bars in South Yorkshire
Officers also seized a large quantity of drugs as well as 20 weapons including knives and a crossbow
Police have arrested 18 people after modern slavery raids at car washes and nail bars in South Yorkshire.
The force says a number of people have been safeguarded - including five children.
As well as people, officers also recovered a large quantity of drugs as well as 20 weapons including knives and a crossbow.
It's all part of ongoing activity to tackle exploitation in South Yorkshire.
On Thursday (2 August), working in partnership with HMRC, the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Organised Crime Unit, the Government Agency Intelligence Network, the Immigration Service, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and local environmental health teams, officers carried out a targeted day of action under Operation Duxford.
Chief Inspector Gareth Thomas, from the Sheffield Command Team, explained: “Our pre-planned Operation Duxford days of action aim to disrupt criminality across South Yorkshire and tackle the issues that we know are prevalent in and impacting our communities. Yesterday, we focussed specifically on targeting modern slavery and exploitation in Sheffield, and particularly criminality surrounding hand car washes, which we know is an area where unfortunately, exploitation takes place.
"Exploitation takes many forms and there is no typical victim of modern slavery – they can be men, women and children of all ages but it is normally more prevalent amongst the most vulnerable, minority or socially excluded groups. Often workers are forced to work illegally and against their will, working long hours and often in hard conditions.
"Importantly, this day of action wasn't just about delivering enforcement around crimes linked to modern slavery, it was heavily focussed on identifying those who may be being exploited and ensuring victims are given a voice and offered the right level of support, advice and safeguarding. Protecting the vulnerable is at the core of what we do, and therefore that was our overarching focus."
Across the day, officers carried out nine warrants at addresses across Sheffield, leading to seven arrests for a range of offences including drugs supply.
The production of drugs is often linked to exploitation, with organised crime groups being known to exploit children to sell drugs, or using vulnerable people to watch locations where they are storing drugs on their behalf.
Within one of the addresses, five children were safeguarded and Class B drugs were seized.
At a further address, a quantity of Class A drugs were sized along with 20 weapons including gas powered air weapons, lock knives, a crossbow, a baton and a knuckle duster.
One man, aged 23, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Twelve car washes were attended, along with six nail bars, and checks carried out.
As part of the visits to car washes, seven arrests were made for immigration offences and the production of cannabis.
Within one the car washes, an extensive cannabis production set up was found, comprising of 113 plants, and evidence that people had been living on site was uncovered.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Sedgwick, who lead on the Operation Bubbles aspect of the day, which our dedicated approach to tackling modern slavery and exploitation at hand car washes, further explained: "Unfortunately, we know that unregulated hand car washes are often linked to wider organised crime groups and involved in the production of drugs, human trafficking, money laundering, child exploitation, as well as organised immigration crime. A multi-agency approach is required to tackle these crimes, which includes the utilisation of teams from across the force and partners, who played a crucial role yesterday.
"The results from the operation show us that modern slavery is happening within our communities - it's happening in broad daylight and in places all of us visit as part of our everyday lives. I want the community to know that we are checking locations of concern, and making sure they are safe and no one is being exploited. However, we need the public to help us in tackling these issues. The information you share about locations or individuals of concern is crucial in us identifying vulnerable people, and investigating those who are exploiting them. If you suspect someone you know is being exploited, or you have been a location where you are concerned people may be being exploited, please report it to us. Even the smallest piece of information can be crucial."
Across the day, five potential victims were identified.
A reception centre was set up with the Snowdrop Project, where potential victims of modern slavery could be taken, and provided support and safeguarding.
DCI Sedgwick added: "If you yourself feel like you might be being exploited, then please know that you are not alone. There is a range of support available out there, and you will be taken seriously. Report it to us and we will help you."