Police have today (Tuesday, October 18) been visiting nail bars in Chester and Ellesmere Port in a crackdown on what is dubbed ‘modern day slavery’.

Officers have joined colleagues from a number of agencies including the local authority, health, housing and Immigration to identify people forced to work for very little reward and in poor conditions.

In some cases, victims have been tricked into coming to the UK by organised criminals with a promise of a better life.

Cheshire Police are targeting nail bars because intelligence suggests a potential risk of individuals employed in a minority of these premises being exploited.

The results of the operation will be revealed later.

Cheshire Police

Detective Chief Inspector Gwyn Dodd said: “Modern day slavery is a challenging issue for police and partners to deal with as it is very much a hidden crime – and the true extent of the problem is not known. Operations such as this are helping us to build up a bigger picture of what is happening in Cheshire and understand better the true extent of the issue.

“Intelligence suggests nationally that people are being forced to work for very little reward and in poor conditions at business premises and we rely on information from the public to help us build up a bigger picture of what is happening and where on a local level here in Cheshire.

“Nail bars are an area of business that have been identified as a potential risk of individuals being employed at these premises being exploited. The majority of these premises are well run and operate with no issues – but there are a small number where intelligence suggests there could be problems.”

Modern day slavery takes many forms but the most common include sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. One of the biggest challenges for police and partners is the fact that many victims do not realise they are victims.

Cheshire Police are cracking down on modern day slavery.

DCI Dodd added: “Today, police and partners are working together to carry out a number of checks at premises, to gather vital intelligence about this type of crime and to identify any potential victims and ensure they are kept safe.”

The crackdown coincides with a regional week of action by forces across the North West – one of the biggest it has ever seen.

Operational activity is being carried out across the region and events are being held to educate the public about modern day slavery – and to ensure people know the signs and behaviours to look out for in potential victims.

It follows on from a national week of action in June. In Cheshire, operational activity focused on hand car washes and identified two potential victims.

Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane
Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane

Cheshire Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “Policing nationally is only starting to get a true understanding of the nature and scale of modern day slavery. People are being tricked into coming to the UK by organised crime groups with a promise of a good job and a better life.

“It’s difficult for them to ask for help because they are completely controlled by their abusers. If we all keep our eyes and ears open and tell police of our suspicions, we can help victims and their families escape from the terrible conditions they could be trapped in.

“Forced labour is happening across the country and this week of action is about understanding it’s closer than we think. It’s everyone’s responsibility to look out for potential victims, and as residents we need to be aware of the signs that could mean modern slavery is happening in our community. More information about how to spot the signs of modern day slavery can be found on the Constabulary website and any suspicions should be reported to police.”

Anyone who has any information about this type of crime or is concerned about someone being a potential victim is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. If you do not feel comfortable contacting police directly then information can be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.