A POLICE operation has been launched in the Wyre Forest to ensure it remains a slavery-free district.

Inspectors and PCSOs took part in Operation Aidant in a bid to gather intelligence to make sure workers in the district are not being exploited.

The operation saw the team visit seven Turkish-style barbers in the Wyre Forest, where they collected information on workers.

Police said the 'soft approach' operation gave officers the opportunity to speak to businesses directly to ensure workers are not being illegally forced to work.

Inspector David King, who led the operation, said: "In the past we've looked at fast food restaurants and nail bars. On this occasion it was barbers, in particular, it was a lot of Turkish style barbers that have opened up.

"It's an opportunity for us to speak to the people on a soft approach basis just to ensure that they aren’t part and parcel of the estimated 40.3 million in modern slavery around the world."

Police worked with the Department of Work and Pensions, Hereford and Worcester Fire Service and the Gangmaster and Labour Abuse Authority to carry out the operation, which is one part of a week of action being held by police forces around the country.

He added operations such as the one carried out on Monday (March 2), help police ensure there are no cases of modern day slavery in the Wyre Forest.

Inspector King added: "I'm pleased to say days like today help us ensure that we haven’t got cases of modern day slavery."

He added: "People can be brought in from out of area to work in various different shops or different trades so obviously we want to make sure that we protect those that are most vulnerable and ensure that they are safe and signposted in a correct way, that if they wish to work in this country, so we can signpost them so they are doing it legally too."

Giving advice on what people should look out for to be aware of the signs that someone may be the victim of exploitation, Inspector King said: "Signs to look out are if any persons appear to be very withdrawn, scared, frightened and tends to be dropped off and picked up.

"I would normally, nine times out of ten, say that people need to use their gut feeling, it's the best advice I would always suggest. Clearly if they don't have identification on them, National Insurance number, those kind of things, then it's always best to report it."

Anyone concerned about modern day slavery should call police on 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.