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13:25 28/06/2021
We often think it doesn’t happen in Surrey.
It does.
Child trafficking is where children and young people are tricked, forced or persuaded to leave their homes and are moved or transported and then exploited or forced to work or sold by organised criminal gangs.
It’s a common misconception that child trafficking is something that only affects third world countries, but sadly that’s simply not the case. That’s why Surrey Police is this week (Monday, 28 June – Sunday, 4 July) supporting Operation Aidant, a country wide operation to target child trafficking in Surrey and across the country. The operational aim of the campaign is to stop child trafficking and exploitation of under 18s who are UK and non-UK nationals, as well as raising vital awareness of this hidden crime.
Trafficked children are some of the most vulnerable in the UK. They are usually too afraid to seek help and it is hard to remove them from the people exploiting them.
From our own experience and in consultation with communities, we know this kind of abuse is under-reported. Surrey Police is asking the public to be more vigilant in spotting the signs indicating possible child trafficking.
Spotting the signs can prevent escalation from ‘subtle’ harms that may often go unnoticed by many, to ‘extreme’ situations where there is loss of life. A child victim is unlikely to recognise that they’re a victim so won’t seek help. That’s why we need the public and everyone else to be alert and act on the child’s behalf.
What are the signs of child trafficking?
Identifying a child who has been trafficked can be very difficult, as they are intentionally hidden and isolated from the services and communities who can identify and protect them.
A trafficked child may:
The warning signs presented by children and young people who are being exploited will be different for everyone.
If you encounter a situation which doesn’t seem right, even if you’re not quite sure about it, we encourage you to report it by contacting Surrey Police on 101 (999 in an emergency)
You can also give information, 100% anonymously, to the independent charity Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700; or through their anonymous online form: https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/