4th
Dec 2015
Earlier this week – 2nd December 2015 – it was the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Day and Thames Valley Police is asking all lettings agents and landlords to help them stamp out Modern Day Slavery.
Government figures estimate that there are 13,000 victims of Modern Slavery throughout the UK; this is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
All of these unfortunate people are being housed somewhere so that they can continue to serve their ‘masters’. Thames Valley Police are asking landlords and lettings agents to be vigilant as the issue is widespread throughout all communities.
The intelligence lead for Thames Valley Police Modern Slavery, Victoria Butler, said: “We know victims of Modern Slavery are often forced to live in accommodation with others – frequently in large groups which causes overcrowding.
“They are sometimes transported from home to work and made to work long hours.
“They have their documents taken from them and they do not control their own finances.
“I would ask any landlord or letting agent to ensure they know exactly who is renting their premises. If they have any concerns about the welfare of those living and working there, or suspicions about the financial arrangements, they should contact police.”
They have supplied a list of questions for landlords and lettings agents to ask themselves when renting out a property that may help identify potential cases of this appalling abuse, which include:
Do you know exactly who you are renting your property to and who is residing in the premises?
Is the occupant the same person who completed the tenancy agreement?
Is the occupant in possession of their own passport and identification documents, and have these been checked for authenticity prior to the start of the tenancy?
Do the occupants of the property change on a regular basis?
Does the occupant pay for their own tenancy, from their own bank account?
Are you aware of any anti-social complaints relating to the property?
Does the occupant appear withdrawn, frightened or show signs of physical abuse?
Most people are only too aware of the types of modern day slavery and are outraged of the many reported cases of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labour and criminal servitude. It is most common for victims to be from minority or socially excluded groups.
The key questions above outline how the vulnerable children and people can be identified and the Thames Valley Police together with multi-agency partners, have launched many operations to stamp out this despicable abuse.
All police forces are asking the general public to contact 101 if they believe it could be happening in their area and call 999 if there are signs of immediate danger for someone.
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