The PSNI has been involved in an "all-out" day of action aimed at raising awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking in Northern Ireland.
Several initiatives were launched across the north this week with the "ultimate aim to safeguard and protect vulnerable people".
It also coincides with Anti-Slavery Week, which runs from October 16 to 22.
As part of the campaign, officers have visited 83 estate agents to raise awareness of the use of properties by traffickers to house innocent victims, as well as visiting 40 hotels to engage with staff and raise awareness of the signs and indictors of human trafficking.
There have also been "safeguarding and screening exercises carried out at ‘at risk’ locations, including car washes, massage parlours, nail bars and brothels as well as presence at ports, airports and transport hubs to raise awareness and safeguard any potential victims.
Another phase of the initiative was a cross-border anti-crime operation carried out at border locations with colleagues from the Joint Agency Task Force, including An Garda Síochána.
This involved the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, with 95 ANPR alerts actioned and 11 vehicles seized.
Read more:
Human trafficking ‘big problem' in Northern Ireland, says women's charity
A total of 130 vehicle checkpoints and 37 searches were conducted.
Officers from across the Police Service have teamed up with partner organisations for an intensive ‘all-out’ day of action. With combined efforts, we’re tackling human trafficking and cross-border crime. Read more here: https://t.co/JfxkMg1P0b #AntiSlaveryWeek pic.twitter.com/B8GdHOacpo
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) October 17, 2023
Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill said: “The collective aim was to raise awareness, and to support and safeguard innocent victims.
“Our team is 100 per cent committed to tackling the horror of modern slavery and human trafficking, and we will continue to work day-in day-out to do just that.
“Anti-Slavery Week brings a welcome opportunity for everyone – including police forces, agencies, charities and individuals – to put this often hidden crime in the spotlight.
"And, in line with this, we’ve chosen to highlight one concerted ‘all-out’ day of action.
“Importantly, our day of action has seen officers across the country share expertise and local knowledge.
"We’ve teamed up with partner organisations and forces, such as Border Force and Belfast Harbour Police, while colleagues in An Garda Síochána have been carrying out similar activity in the Republic of Ireland.
"The joined-up and ultimate aim is to safeguard and protect vulnerable people.”
