A POLICE crackdown is being launched to stamp out modern slavery in East Lancashire.

Officers are set to visit premises including massage parlours, takeaways, car washes and travellers’ sites in a bid to speak with employers and make sure nobody is being held against their will.

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An international human trafficking operation was uncovered in Burnley in 2012 after police received a tip-off that an Eastern European girl was being kept prisoner above a corner shop.

The 20-year-old was kidnapped in Slovakia after being plied with alcohol before being brought to Britain where she was ‘bought’ for £4,000 and repeatedly raped.

Detective Superintendent Sue Cawley, head of Lancashire Police’s public protection unit, said this area of policing was often very difficult.

She said: “Here in Lancashire we want to raise as much awareness about modern slavery as we possibly can.

“Although figures would suggest there isn’t a huge problem in our county, we know it is happening. Reporting rates are low and we want to encourage victims to come forward knowing that there is help out there for them.

“This area of policing is complex and identifying modern slavery can be difficult. In many cases organised crime groups are behind the trafficking of people into the UK.

“However, in some cases victims will willingly travel into the UK by their own means, sometimes at the request of their own families, to then only make their first contact with their trafficker based upon an offer of apparent legal and legitimate employment, unaware of the situation that awaits them.”

Among the most common countries of origin for referrals are Albania, Nigeria, Vietnam and Romania.

Throughout the week of action, officers will also be posting information to the force’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Det Supt Cawley said: “The aim of this week of activity is to drive home the message that modern slavery is happening and it could be happening near you.

“Sometimes, victims are unaware they are victims or are in fear of those controlling them which can prevent them from seeking help.”

The week of action will end with national Anti-Slavery Day on Saturday.

The day was created by an Act of Parliament to raise awareness of modern slavery and to inspire people to eliminate it. The bill defines modern-day slavery as child trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

For more information visit www.lancashire.police.uk/help-and-advice/help-and-advice2/modern-slavery Anybody with information about trafficking or slavery should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.