A WOMAN has been arrested in connection with human trafficking and running a brothel in Fisherton Street and three potential victims of modern slavery were also identified during the police visit.

Police carried out a targeted operation at the property in Salisbury last Thursday (September 20) and at two addresses in Hampshire.

The woman, aged 40 from Hampshire, was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, being concerned in managing a brothel, and on suspicion of money laundering.

She has since been released under investigation.

Three potential victims of modern slavery were also identified.

The visit was part of a county-wide operation by Wiltshire Police, that also saw action in Marlborough, Trowbridge and Swindon.

The force was joined by various partner agencies and visited a number of addresses across the county to check on the welfare of employees who were potential victims of sexual exploitation.

Overall, six addresses were visited, four of which were businesses and all seven potential victims of modern slavery identified have been interviewed and their welfare assessed.

No children were identified as potential victims of modern slavery as part of the two-week investigation, called Operation Aidant.

Detective Superintendent Jeremy Carter, force lead for modern slavery and human trafficking, said: “People could be forgiven for thinking that because Wiltshire is one of the safest places to live and work in the country that these types of issues don’t happen. Sadly, this is not the case and it is important that we educate our communities to spot the signs so they can help us stop modern slavery.

“I would urge the public to be aware of the potential signs of exploitation and use that information to not only report their concerns, but also to think of the human cost of the services they use so that informed decisions can be made”.

Victims of modern slavery and exploitation aren’t always immediately obvious to spot, but there are some signs to look out for:

• Working long hours

• Substance addiction

• Chaperoned everywhere

• Lack of possessions

• Language barriers

• Passport held by someone else

• Lack of personal protective equipment

• Lack of access to medical care, or strange injuries

• Isolation

• Money deducted from salary

• No keys. Can’t come and go as they please

• Malnutrition

• Psychological trauma

• Sporadic school attendance

• Money withheld

• Ritual abuse/witchcraft

Call police on 101, or 999 if someone is in immediate danger.

Concerns can also be reported anonymously via The National Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.