First Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders Issued in Cleveland

A man and woman have been handed Cleveland Police’s first Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders (STROs).

The civil orders were issued to a woman in her twenties and a man in his forties at a hearing at Teesside Magistrates Court on Tuesday 22^nd November.

Police can consider the use of STROs in cases where an individual(s) has not been convicted of a slavery or human trafficking offence, but are believed to pose a significant risk of harm.

The man and woman from the Stockon area of Teesside were handed the STROs in order to seek to protect workers in a fast-food establishment in the Cleveland area from exploitation.

Under the conditions of the STRO issued, the man and woman are not able to pay employees cash in hand, not allowed to have employees residing on the premises or deduct from employees’ wages other than what is legally required such as National Insurance.  

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Michael McClurg from the Complex Exploitation Team, said: “We are pleased to have secured Cleveland Police’s first Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders. These orders are a vital tool which helps to protect victims against those who may pose a risk of harm through exploitation.

“Modern slavery can mean that victims are exploited, controlled or held captive or threatened or punished to stop them escaping or reporting the crime. Threats or punishments can sometimes be violent and cause significant harm.

“This kind of serious criminal behaviour won’t be tolerated and we will continue to use every option available to us to ensure we are protecting people in our communities. There is help out there for people who think they may be victims or anyone who wants advice. Anyone concerned can call 101 or 999 (in an emergency) or contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.”

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.