Exmouth-based anti-slavery unit reveals highest figures

2,163 investigations in September alone

The police's Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit, based in Exmouth, has unveiled new figures showing investigations into modern slavery-related offences are at their highest ever level. More than 2,000 cases were live in September alone.

Devon and Cornwall chief constable Shaun Sawyer is the national police lead for the unit, which is funded by the Home Office. Sunday 18 October has been declared anti-slavery day. The figures have been revealed to coincide with it.

After reducing slightly in April as lock-down took effect, the number of live investigations being conducted by police forces and other law enforcement agencies across the UK has increased to 2,163 in September. 

The number includes all current investigations which focus directly on modern slavery offences or those crimes where it is suspected, or intelligence suggests, modern slavery plays a significant part. The figures reported include ongoing investigations – which can appear in the figures for more than one month – but are not included in the ongoing reporting once completed. 

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “Modern slavery and trafficking are cruel crimes that see perpetrators target some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Perpetrators range from international and national serious and organised crime networks through to single individual exploitative relationships. This is arguably the most pernicious crime type of our generation.

“The increase in police investigations, combined with other law enforcement partners within the NCA, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force, shows that law enforcement, supported by our partners within local government, health, wider public service and the essential work of the voluntary sector, is identifying, safeguarding and supporting victims who are vulnerable to being exploited. Together, alongside the independent Crown Prosecution Service, we are being relentless in our pursuit of perpetrators, in order to bring them to justice and ensure the UK is a hostile environment for traffickers.”

Mr Sawyer continued: “Home Office data indicates that over 10,000 men, women and children were identified as being trapped in modern slavery across the UK in 2019 alone. These victims of trafficking are subject to coercion and control and are engaged without choice in risky behaviour, including being forced into prostitution or committing crimes for others’ gain.”