A high number of cases of modern slavery and human trafficking were reported in Dorset, new figures show.

Data published by the National Crime Agency (NCA) showed a high number of reports in the county to the national referral mechanism (NRM), a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.

In 2017, Dorset police reported seven victims but in all there were 48 reports in the county with most reports coming from outside agencies including the Salvation Army, UK Visas and Immigration, Border Force, local councils and children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Of the seven reports by the county’s police, six were adults and one was a child of which four were for labour exploitation and three reports were for sexual exploitation.

The NCA who works to identify victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensure they receive support to escape their situation say the high numbers are down to a better understanding of exploitation by police and other authorities, who have been flagging more people to the dedicated National Referral Mechanism (NRM).

Will Kerr, director of the NCA, said: “The criminals involved in these types of exploitation are going into online spaces, particularly adult services websites, to enable their criminality.

“We are also seeing increasing crossovers between slavery and organised immigration crime outside of the UK. Often the same criminal networks are involved in transportation, and migrants themselves are vulnerable to labour and sexual exploitation during their journeys and after.

“Particularly concerning to us is the rise in young people being exploited for sexual purposes or drug trafficking.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Dudfield from Dorset Police, added: “Modern slavery happens to some of the most vulnerable people in society, who may not even realise they are being exploited.

“We need members of the public to ensure they report any concerns they have around someone’s working or living conditions.

"Ask yourself if a worker’s physical appearance seems poor, are they clothed properly for their work, do they interact with you freely or seem hesitant or nervous to speak?

"Or do you work or live near a business where the staff seem to have restricted movement or are dropped off/collected for work on a regular basis, either very early or late at night? If something doesn’t seem right, report it.”

Anybody concerned that someone may have been trafficked or is at risk of exploitation can contact the the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121700.