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Britain against sex trafficking
British police and the travel industry launched a campaign on Tuesday against the "modern day slavery" of sex trafficking.
British police and the travel industry launched a campaign on Tuesday against the "modern day slavery" of sex trafficking.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said forces across the country would work with port and airport officials to look for signs of trafficking.
"Victims are arriving from all over the world, but whatever their origin, whether by aeroplane, ferry, train or coach, they all arrive in the UK by public transport," said ACPO's Tim Brain.
"It is clear therefore, that the success of the preventative aspect of the operation is dependent on the co-operation of the travel industry.
"Assistance from the travel industry in combating what in effect is both modern day slavery and an affront to human rights cannot, therefore, be over-emphasised."
Brain said women trafficked into the sex industry often had to see up to 40 clients a day and that there could be some 2,800 women working in the UK.
As part of Operation Pentameter, police will patrol major ports, meeting travellers arriving from eastern European countries and handing out information and contact numbers for people who may think they are being trafficked.
A poster campaign will ask questions such as: "Do you have your passport?" and "Did you arrange your own travel?"
The Home Office, which has funded the operation, welcomed the police's efforts.
"This appalling crime, often for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labour, will not be tolerated in this country," Minister Paul Goggins said in a statement.
