Southampton police took part in a large operation focusing on modern slavery and organised immigration crime, with a targeted night of action on Shirley High Street in Southampton. The operation was spearheaded by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Modern Slavery & Organised Immigration Crime team, alongside neighbourhood policing officers, roads policing officers, and Immigration Enforcement.
The initiative aimed to identify and protect individuals exploited by immigration crime and modern slavery, while also targeting offenders. A particular emphasis was placed on monitoring e-bikes, e-scooters, and mopeds that were not deemed road-worthy, aligning with ongoing road safety efforts.
On the night of January 9, officers engaged with over 20 individuals, conducted nine immigration checks, and addressed three immigration-related offences. Additionally, six e-bikes were seized for failing road-worthiness standards, and multiple traffic violations were processed. The individuals were carrying out deliveries for Just Eat and Deliveroo.
Southampton West Inspector Andy Proctor highlighted the operation’s proactive, intelligence-driven approach. “This was a proactive intelligence-led operation to assist us in tackling the incredibly complex issue of modern slavery, exploitation and organised immigration crime, specifically focused on the food industry, on the streets of Shirley,” he stated.
Inspector Proctor acknowledged the exploitation by organised crime groups within the food industry, noting that some victims remain trapped in cycles of exploitation and modern slavery. He further emphasised the importance of addressing traffic offences to ensure community safety and compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
“Modern Day Slavery is closer than you think,” Inspector Proctor warned, urging community members to report suspicious activities or vulnerable individuals who may be coerced into work against their will.
The public is encouraged to report any information or concerns to the police by calling 101 or visiting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted at 0800 555 111 or via Crimestoppers’ website.
