Three arrested following warrants – Nuneaton

At around 9.30am, officers executed a warrant on a property in Birmingham and on properties in Coventry Street and Mill Walk, Nuneaton.

 

Officers were supported by organisations including UK Visas and Immigration, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Refuge and West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network.

 

As a result of the warrant, two women from Birmingham – aged 26 and 48 – were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery human trafficking offences, and for fraud by abuse of position. A 31-year-old man from Nuneaton was also arrested on suspicion of modern slavery human trafficking.

 

Cash was also seized during the operation.

 

A number of possible victims of suspected modern slavery have also been safeguarded and will receive support from specialist organisations.

 

Detective Inspector Tony Hibbert, who led on the operation, said: “We’re committed to working with our partners to identify and support victims of modern day slavery, and to investigate any suspected associated offences.

 

"We want to send a clear message that this kind of activity will not be tolerated in our communities and we will take positive action when we have information to suggest offences are taking place.

 

“We are committed to working with partner agencies to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery in Warwickshire. If anyone has any information, or suspects that someone is being treated in this way, please contact us.”

 

Anyone with information can telephone Warwickshire Police on 101 or contact us via www.warwickshire.police.uk. In an emergency always call 999. 

 

Information can also be reported and advice can be found through the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. 

 

 

Whilst each case of Modern Slavery can look different, there are signs which are common across multiple forms of exploitation, which may suggest an individual is at risk of, or is a victim of a form of Modern Slavery. These signs include if someone:

 

• acts as if instructed by another, as though they are forced or coerced to carry out specific activities

• demonstrates signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self esteem, seeming anxious, bruising or untreated medical conditions

• seems to be bonded by debt; has money deducted from their salary; or has a lack of access to earnings

• has little or no contact with family or loved ones

• is distrustful of authorities

• has threats made against themselves or family members

• is not in possession of their own legal documents (Passport or documents are held by someone else)