Pop-up brothels and drug dealing modern slavery on the up in Cumbria – The Cumberland & Westmorland Herald

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Date: Thursday 16th January 2020

MODERN slavery and human trafficking are on the rise in Cumbria, according to a report by Cumbria police.

The county received 170 intelligence reports last year alone, up on 2018s figures of 113 though there are fears the scale of the crisis has been under-reported.

Victims across Cumbria have been trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced to work or to embark on a life of crime, with the majority of those targeted being young people.

A report revealed that the only type of exploitation yet to be seen in the county is organ harvesting.

Sandra Radcliffe, modern slavery and human trafficking co-ordinator, said some girls are forced to work as prostitutes by their boyfriends, fiancs and even husbands.

The police are investigating several pop-up brothels in the county, with hotel staff among those reporting girls working in rooms on their premises.

Additional concerns have also been raised about forced sexual exploitation and possible underage girls being used.

The report reveals that victims can be coerced into working through the use of violence and psychological intimidation.

Gang-masters are known to be keeping hold of victims identity papers, sometimes threatening to report foreign workers to the immigration authorities in a bid to control them.

Low-skilled, low-wage jobs such as food-processing and packaging, construction, tarmacking and paving and cleaning services are among the areas where forced labour has been uncovered.

Warning signs include workers crammed into a small house, lack of clothing and safety equipment and total dependence on an employer for accommodation, transport and banking.

Examples of forced criminality common in the UK include cannabis cultivation, drug dealing, benefit fraud, theft, begging, and the selling of counterfeit goods.

Victims are often afraid to go to the authorities for fear that they will end up in trouble or even in prison.

Other examples have included children recruited into criminal gangs to shoplift to order.

A major issue cited in the report is human trafficking linked to County Lines, where vulnerable people are forced to travel around the UK and deal drugs on behalf of organised crime groups.

Most victims tend to be boys aged between 15 and 17 but the report reveals that it is likely that the issue has been under-reported.

Victims can be offered a place within government-funded safe houses and given support, legal advice and practical help.

And those with concerns are urged to get in touch with the police on 101 or by completing the online report form. If it is an emergency they should dial 999.

Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org, or to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

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Pop-up brothels and drug dealing modern slavery on the up in Cumbria - The Cumberland & Westmorland Herald