A NEW bid has been launched to encourage people to give the police more tip offs about modern day slavery in Wiltshire.

The campaign, called #TellUsWhatYouSee, is intended to educate the public on the signs of different forms of the abuse and show them how they can report it.

Forces in the south west have seen a five per cent increase in intelligence reporting between 2016 and 2017, receiving a total of 3272 tip offs.

They anticipate it will rise next year, having already passed the 2017 figure with two months left of the year.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said modern slavery was a complex and challenging problem. “It is not just a big city issue. Wiltshire is a safe place to live but that doesn’t mean it is immune.”

In a statement issued today the Wiltshire force said: “While the increase is positive and in part down to increased media attention on modern slavery in nail bars and car washes, there are still many forms of lesser-known modern slavery going on, in neighbourhoods and local communities across our force area.

“Labour exploitation, which is linked with industries such as car washes, nail bars and building sites, is the most common form of intelligence we’ve received information on, followed closely by sexual exploitation, which covers brothels and sex workers.”

Up to October 15 there were 93 active investigations linked to possible slavery in the south west, relying heavily on information from the public.

Since 2016 forces in the south west have made 541 referrals through a national referral mechanism, which is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Holden welcomed the increase in top offs. “This goes to show that the local communities of Wiltshire and Swindon are taking this issue seriously and are supporting us in our fight against this horrific crime.”

But he urged the public to continue sending information either by calling 101 or using the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121700.