Suffolk Police sees rise in reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences

Communities have been told to ‘open their eyes’ after Suffolk Police said it had seen an increase in reports of modern slavery offences.

Figures released following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by SuffolkNews show that across the county there were five offences of human trafficking recorded in the year to November 20.

For the same time period, seven offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour were reported to Suffolk Police.

John French, Suffolk Constabulary’s modern slavery and vulnerable communities advisor, said modern slavery is a complex crime, often hidden in remote locations.

He said: “We hold community events across the county throughout the year to raise awareness of this hidden crime, highlight how to spot the signs of exploitation and encourage people to report concerns.

“We also regularly visit local businesses and engage with employees to identify potential victims.”

“As a constabulary we work alongside local authorities and welfare partners to share information and intelligence on exploitation and abuse and address the longer-term safeguarding needs of victims,” said Mr French.

Data showed, during 2024, six arrests relating to human trafficking or slavery, were made at a house, one at a flat and one at an airport.

Mr French said: “Part of the constabulary’s work with vulnerable people and exploitation includes address checks at homes where people may have been subjected to home invasion, commonly described as cuckooing.

“Communities have a really important role to play in recognising abuse.

“We need people to open their eyes and look closer to any suspected incidents of exploitation so we can help safeguard victims and pursue offenders.”

Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person’s home and use the property to facilitate exploitation, for example using the home as a base to deal drugs from.

Concerns can be reported to the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700.

Alternatively they can be reported online at: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report.