14 DAY TRIAL // Dorset Police have rescued six men suspected of being “slaves” and have taken them to safety, after they raided a Bournemouth address as part of an investigation into forced labor and human trafficking.
Authorities sealed off and searched the AA Clock Garage on Ringwood Road on Wednesday morning and discovered six men, aged between 20 and 30, suspected of being kept there against their will. The victims are now receiving all the help and support they need.
Police officers searched the premises of the business, which is known for selling cars and vans, inside and out, including vehicles that were on the forecourt and on the road outside. The location is also a hand car wash center.
After police raided the garage, a 23-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested in connection with slavery offenses. He has since been released on bail, pending further inquiries.
“Today’s operation is the result of a detailed and protracted inquiry and our primary aim is to protect and safeguard vulnerable victims,” Detective Superintendent Kevin Connolly, who leads the investigations, said, according to Daily Mail.
People living near the garage told local news outlets that the owners of the business were not very talkative but mentioned they noticed new individuals come and go regularly.
“They keep themselves very much to themselves. They come and go. There's been new ones back and forward,” one neighbor said.
Human trafficking for forced labor or other types of exploitation is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights, but, unfortunately, thousands of people fall into the hands of traffickers every year, either in their own countries or abroad.
“Human trafficking is a serious offense and Dorset Police remains committed towards tackling such cases. Human trafficking, particularly in the form of servitude, is a hidden crime and we will do everything we can to ensure this immoral trade is stopped. In order to do this, we also need help from the public,” detective Connolly added.
During the operation, police were assisted by several other agencies, like Bournemouth Borough Council, the National Crime Agency and the Red Cross.
Earlier this month, authorities have initiated a campaign to raise public awareness of human trafficking in Poole area. They have placed posters in all of the town’s public toilets, pointing out some of the signs to look out for in reference to human trafficking and providing a telephone number for people to report any suspicions they might have.