ALMOST 200 potential slavery victims were referred to Hampshire Constabulary in the last year, with the majority being aged 17 and under.

Figures show there has been a rise in the number of referrals for support across the UK, and anti-slavery charities are now calling on the Government to stop "distracting attention from the real criminals". 

The latest Home Office figures show 185 potential modern slavery cases were referred to Hampshire Constabulary for investigation in the year to June – and of them, 111 were aged 17 and under.

The total number is down from 226 the year before, but across the UK, modern slavery referrals for suspected victims have risen.

There were 14,600 in the year to June, and 5,800 of them were children – up from 11,600 and 5,200 respectively the year before.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Police and partners continue to work together to gather information around modern slavery, and are encouraging people to report any suspicions they have regarding this particular crime type.

"As a modern slavery task group – which includes the police, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), Hampshire County Council and local authorities – we have carried out operations in the area which have involved intercepting this activity and safeguarding any potential victims of exploitation.

"Modern slavery could be happening in your community so it’s important you know the signs that could indicate someone is a victim of this crime."

The Hampshire Constabulary advised that the following could be some of the potential signs of slavery amongst a person or group:

  • Do they look scruffy, malnourished or injured?
  • Are they doing long hours, wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job?
  • Do they behave like they’re being instructed by someone else, picked up/dropped off at the same time and place every day or don’t have access to money or identification?

If you suspect someone to be a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700, or 999 for emergencies.

You can also contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, or via hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

You can also call the GLAA on 0800 432 0804, or visit gla.gov.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org