PLANS to improve the ways in which police tackle modern slavery while providing greater support to victims remain a high priority for Cheshire Police.

The force and partners including Warrington Borough Council joined together to outline their vision during a conference last week.

Chief constable Simon Byrne said: “It is a sad fact of life that modern slavery is happening in our communities, often hidden away behind closed doors. 

“Although action is already being taken by officers and partners to locate victims and trace offenders, there is always so much more that can be done and working together jointly helps play an important part in making sure we achieve this.” 

Modern slavery stems from organised crime gangs who targets vulnerable people in society.

Police and partner agencies will help deliver the two-year action plan to highlight the issue in Cheshire. 

Officers will continue to carry out targeted operations across the county.

David Parr, chairman of the Pan Cheshire Protecting Vulnerable People Board, added: “Across the region, we recognise the reality that trafficking, slavery and exploitation is not a problem of the past. 

“It is happening right here, right now and we will not tolerate it. 

“The time has come for concerted, co-ordinated action to ensure that children and adults are protected. 

“The purpose of this conference and the developing strategy that we are launching is to set out our strategic approach and how we intend to continue to develop the good work already happening.”

He added that this pro-active approach will help to ‘prevent, identify, disrupt, stop and eradicate modern slavery in all its forms’.

To report modern slavery call Cheshire Police on 101, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the national modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.