9:37am Thursday 3rd July 2008
By Daily Echo reporter
SEX slaves have been rescued from properties in Bournemouth as part of a national clampdown on human trafficking.
Ten women forced into prostitution have been released from captivity by Dorset Police, who are certain there are more women suffering in the county.
They are urging members of the public to be alert and to report suspicious activity near their homes and are even asking men who use prostitutes to let them know if the women appear to be frightened or subdued.
Police believe there could be many more victims being forced to work as prostitutes, often in houses in residential areas.
Detective Superintendent Steve Bartlett said four Thai, five Chinese and one Malaysian women were found after a total of 29 premises, mainly in the Bournemouth area, were visited.
The searches formed part of the national Operation Pentameter Two, which freed a total of 167 victims from the clutches of sex traffickers across the UK and Ireland in a six-month period.
Hampshire Police discovered 23 victims in their searches.
"Tackling human trafficking, particularly for sexual exploitation, is a high priority for Dorset Police and we are continually seeking information to help us disrupt this evil trade and bring the perpetrators to justice," said Det Supt Bartlett. "These traffickers may operate their business anywhere in the community - people may notice suspicious activity such as large numbers of different male visitors or premises where curtains are continually drawn."
He stressed anyone who reports suspicious activity will be treated in confidence. Those with information are asked to call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Charities aiming to help victims have urged the government to provide more funding for safe houses across the south of England. The Medaille Trust is a Catholic organisation set up with specific aim of helping people forced into the sex trade. It currently runs two safe houses and its members have spoken out to demand better treatment for victims.
"We have been offered at least six other houses and we would love to use them for trafficking victims. We have not been able to do this because we need sustainable funding from the government," said a spokesman.
The views were shared by the Pastor of Wimborne Baptist Church, Rev Robert Jones, whose church is twinned with another in Bulgaria, where many victims come from.
"My concern is what happens to these women after the police raids. They end up entering our deportation system but it would be encouraging if they were treated with a bit of sympathy."
Sorry this story disappeared for a while this morning due to technical problems
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk