A number of people have been safeguarded by officers across the Thames Valley after being identified as potential victims of modern slavery this month.

Between August 22 and September 9, working in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Europol, Thames Valley Police conducted a three-week activity focusing on massage parlours.

This was under Project Aidant, a Europe Wide operation and NCA-led law-enforcement response.

Chief Superintendent Jim Weems, Head of Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations, said: “Working in partnership with Immigration and local council teams, Project Aidant created significant intelligence and identified vulnerable individuals, for whom safeguarding has been put in place to ensure that they are no longer at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking is absolutely abhorrent, and Thames Valley Police remain committed to ensuring that any such offences are investigated thoroughly and offenders brought to justice.”

During the project, officers visited 57 massage parlours across the Thames Valley and encountered over 50 people who were spoken to about modern slavery.

Of these people, five were identified as potential victims.

Superintendent Weems added: “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable people, and would always urge the public to contact us if they have any information that could help us to safeguard anybody at risk of such offences.”

Thames Valley Police have said that concerns around modern slavery can be reported to the modern slavery helpline.

Organisations such as Victims First Specialist Service incorporates specialist skills and knowledge on exploitation and modern slavery who provide practical and emotional advice.

They explained: “If you feel that you need this support please contact Victims First by calling 0300 1234 148 or by getting in touch online by completing an online referral form or using our live chat www.victims-first.org.uk/get-support-now/.

“You can also report to us online or by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.