Cambridgeshire Police crackdown on modern slavery
The force targeted nail bars and car washes as part of a day of action.
Cambridgeshire Police have targeted nail bars and car washes as part of a day of action cracking down on modern slavery in the area.
Officers accompanied Immigration and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) at more than 50 sites in the county on Monday 26th July.
It said five arrests were made on the day of action, although none were related to modern slavery.
Nationally there have been multiple modern slavery cases linked to nail bars and hand car washes, which is why officers chose to target these establishments.
Cambridgeshire Police say they were made aware earlier this year of a shocking case where a man reported he had been forced to work at a hand car wash for a prolonged period of time.
He was locked in his accommodation overnight, provided with little food and no wages.
He managed to escape and is now being supported by a charity while an investigation into what happened is ongoing.
Superintendent James Sutherland said: "Whilst the majority of hand car washes and nail bars are legitimate businesses, as the report from earlier this year demonstrates, some exploit workers to maximise profits.
"Although no arrests were made for modern slavery offences, the day was still very valuable as key intelligence has been obtained. This new intelligence will lead to continued development work around a number of the sites.
"Tackling modern slavery is a priority for the Constabulary and it's vital we're doing all we can to combat the issue and protect vulnerable people.
"Slavery is not a thing of the past - it is happening today right here in Cambridgeshire and we need the public's help to tackle it. If you have any concerns please contact us."
What are the signs of modern slavery?
Cambridgeshire Police says some of the things you can look out for are:
Seeming overly tired, withdrawn, or avoiding eye contact
Not having suitable equipment or clothing for the job they are doing
Looking unkempt or showing signs of physical abuse
Not being able to come and go as they wish
Being unpaid or paid very little
Working excessively long or unusual hours
Not being allowed breaks or suffers restrictions at work