Modern slavery order issued after two women found

Two people have been given full modern slavery orders after officers found two women they suspected to be victims.

Police attended a property on Evesham Road, Redditch, in Worcestershire, on 13 November 2023, after receiving a 999 call from a woman who sounded like she was in distress before she hung up. They visited the address but were told their help was not needed.

Despite this, officers returned to the property where they found two women locked in rooms as well as large amounts of cash.

A man, 39, and a woman, 37, were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.

On 13 May the man and woman were issued with full Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders that will be in place for four years.

They included banning them from managing accommodation for anyone besides immediate family, possessing cash in any currency to a combined value in excess of £1,000 and employing anyone who is not immediate family.

Police Sgt David Roberts described modern slavery as a crime hidden in plain sight.

"We are committed to identifying and disrupting it within our communities," he said.

"I welcome these full orders, which help us protect vulnerable people who may be coerced or exploited whilst sending out a clear message that such activity will not be tolerated."

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