EVERY Surrey resident has a part to play in tackling modern slavery, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has said.
Speaking on Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place each year on October 18, Ellie said victims are often “hidden in plain sight”.
Many will have been forced into commercial work of any kind. However, common examples include on fishing boats, in sex work, in nail bars and at car washes.
Surrey’s roads network is often utilised by traffickers because it is a main arterial route from the Channel ports.
Three suspected victims from Vietnam were found in a lorry at a Surrey service station. One had been strapped into a concealed compartment so tightly that he needed to be cut free.
They had been surviving on just bread and water for more than a week.
Anti-slavery charity Unseen says the economic cost of modern slavery reached an estimated £210million in 2024 – enough to fund the recruitment of 7,500 new police officers.
“Inhumane”
Ellie said: “The conditions experienced by modern slavery victims across the UK are nothing short of inhumane.
“By looking out for red flags that someone is being exploited by a criminal, we can all help to prevent this abhorrent practice.
“Sadly, Surrey’s roads networks, as well as the county’s proximity to Channel ports, make it a popular route for people traffickers.
“Between January 2023 and 2025, the Force recorded 26 cases of people being found in a lorry or confirmed to be involved in a ‘drop’.
Red flags
“Victims are often hidden in plain sight. They may be living in fear or feel dependent on those exploiting them. Some may not even understand that they’re being exploited.
“If you think someone is being exploited in this way, never directly confront the potential victim or the person in charge.
“Instead, please call the police when it is safe to do so.
“We all have a part to play in looking out for society’s most vulnerable members.”
What to look out for
Victims of modern slavery may:
- Be scared to talk to people
- Avoid eye contact
- Have physical injuries or bruises
- Wear the same clothes every day, particularly if they’re dirty or unsuitable for the weather or the type of work being carried out
- Look malnourished or ill
- Work unusual or very long hours
- Not know the area where they live or work
- Not be allowed out alone
- Not have ID or a passport
- Not be in control of their earnings
If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is happening in front of you, always call 999. Otherwise, you can report via 101.
The Modern Slavery Helpline can be contacted on 0800 0121 700.