Car wash visit in anti-slavery campaign

The officers went to the site in Eastwood today in a bid to stamp out modern slavery.

Det Sgt Nikki Leach, who heads up the anti-slavery unit based in Sheffield, said: “To tie in with the launch of our modern slavery campaign, we visited a car wash in Eastwood, to speak to those who are currently working there.

“Our work is always based on an in-depth intelligence picture and often, behind cheap prices at car washes for example, there are victims.

“These could be potentially vulnerable people who are forced to work incredibly long hours, for little or no money.

“Our aim was to speak to those working there and to look into whether there was any possibility of labour exploitation, a strand of modern slavery, happening there. Enquiries are now underway in relation to this.”

This year’s campaign will focus on two stands of modern slavery — labour and sexual exploitation.

Ms Leach added: “People who are exploited through labour can often be forced to work incredibly long hours, for little or no money. They may be forced to work against their will, having had their identification taken away from them and sometimes, their wages are withheld and threats made against them.

“Today’s operation is just one of many we are doing as we continue to build up an in-depth intelligence picture about modern slavery across South Yorkshire.

“Alongside our partner agencies, such as Ashiana and City Hearts, both of who help those affected by issues relating to modern slavery and trafficking, we are working to identify victims so that we can safeguard these vulnerable people.

“Modern slavery is happening across South Yorkshire and I hope that through the campaign we can try and raise awareness of it and give you some advice on the signs that you might spot as you go about your day.”

For information on modern slavery, visit southyorks.police.uk or follow the campaign on Twitter @syptweet using #ModernSlavery or visit the South Yorkshire Police Facebook page.