A POLICE operation targeting human trafficking has been launched across South Wales.
The three-month Operation Eagle aims to scope the extent of the problem and raise awareness of it.
It will highlight the role of police officers and staff working for a range of key stakeholders in identifying and helping people who may be victims of trafficking.
South Wales Police will be working closely with partners from local councils, health services and voluntary organisations.
They will be sharing information so partnerships understand the issue of human trafficking, the role they can play in dealing with this crime, and how best to support victims.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: "South Wales Police and its regional partner in Tarian will be putting our support to Operation Eagle the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) strategic plan for tackling organised immigration crime, human trafficking and exploitation.
"This launch is the result of many months of hard work on the part of all stakeholders involved in combating this trade that brings misery to many people's lives.
"The operation represents a further step forward in our joint approach to rescuing and supporting the victims of trafficking, to beating the traffickers, and to making it clear that the UK is a hostile environment for the slave traders of the 21st century."
According to official statistics, human trafficking has risen by 33 per cent in the UK compared to last year, with victims coming from all over the world.
Police hope intelligence gathering through Operation Eagle will give an indication of the level of human trafficking in South Wales.
Detective Superintendent Dorian Lloyd said: "The operation is being launched not only to raise awareness of human trafficking, but also to give officers the confidence to recognise, record and respond to such incidents, and know where to go for more information.
"It's hard for us to know the true extent of human trafficking in South Wales, especially with the diversity of the population we enjoy, as this can hide those that are trafficked.
"But we know one thing for sure — human trafficking is very real. It's happening on our streets, in our communities, on our doorstep. And we should all be alert to this.
"We want everyone to understand they can play a role in dealing with this despicable crime, which is fast becoming one of the most profitable ways organised crime groups can make money.
"We also want people to be aware that trafficked victims may be working in places you might not normally consider, like high street nail bars and massage parlours.
"They may be forced to work as cleaners, nannies, au pairs, or for domestic labour."
Anyone with information or concerns about trafficking should contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
The three-month Operation Eagle aims to scope the extent of the problem and raise awareness of it.
It will highlight the role of police officers and staff working for a range of key stakeholders in identifying and helping people who may be victims of trafficking.
South Wales Police will be working closely with partners from local councils, health services and voluntary organisations.
They will be sharing information so partnerships understand the issue of human trafficking, the role they can play in dealing with this crime, and how best to support victims.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: "South Wales Police and its regional partner in Tarian will be putting our support to Operation Eagle the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) strategic plan for tackling organised immigration crime, human trafficking and exploitation.
"This launch is the result of many months of hard work on the part of all stakeholders involved in combating this trade that brings misery to many people's lives.
"The operation represents a further step forward in our joint approach to rescuing and supporting the victims of trafficking, to beating the traffickers, and to making it clear that the UK is a hostile environment for the slave traders of the 21st century."
According to official statistics, human trafficking has risen by 33 per cent in the UK compared to last year, with victims coming from all over the world.
Police hope intelligence gathering through Operation Eagle will give an indication of the level of human trafficking in South Wales.
Detective Superintendent Dorian Lloyd said: "The operation is being launched not only to raise awareness of human trafficking, but also to give officers the confidence to recognise, record and respond to such incidents, and know where to go for more information.
"It's hard for us to know the true extent of human trafficking in South Wales, especially with the diversity of the population we enjoy, as this can hide those that are trafficked.
"But we know one thing for sure — human trafficking is very real. It's happening on our streets, in our communities, on our doorstep. And we should all be alert to this.
"We want everyone to understand they can play a role in dealing with this despicable crime, which is fast becoming one of the most profitable ways organised crime groups can make money.
"We also want people to be aware that trafficked victims may be working in places you might not normally consider, like high street nail bars and massage parlours.
"They may be forced to work as cleaners, nannies, au pairs, or for domestic labour."
Anyone with information or concerns about trafficking should contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.