NORTH Yorkshire Police have again urged the public to think about the dangers and possible signs of modern slavery in the region.

Thursday, October 18, marked anti-slavery day, which aimed to raise awareness of exploitation of men, women and children around the country, after a rise in the last three years both locally and nationally.

Detective Inspector John Paul Freer from the force's Vulnerable Adults Team said modern slavery usually meant either holding someone in servitude or forcing them to perform labour, or human trafficking - arranging the movement of an individual with the intention to exploit them, either through work, sex, criminal acts or domestic servitude.

Det Insp Freer said all of these incidents had been recorded in North Yorkshire, but it was a 'hidden crime, "with many victims not recognising themselves as victims", and unlikely to speak out about their abuse.

He said: "Some victims are fearful of what might happen to them or their families if they speak out. Others are frightened of the police and government agencies either because of bad experiences in their country of origin or their captors have warned them with false information. Some simply believe that the exploitation is a stepping stone and things will get better.

"The fact that a potential victim might be being paid more or have better working conditions than what they experience in their country of origin is irrelevant. UK laws and standards must be upheld.

In towns and cities modern slavery is most likely to exist in low paid and unregulated industries such as hand car washes, nail bars, restaurants and takeaways. North Yorkshire is also a large rural area and vulnerable people are at risk of exploitation within farming and food processing communities."

Det Insp Freer said modern slavery could be "happening right under your nose in residential houses which are used for cannabis cultivation", while "sexual exploitation is happening in hotel rooms, holiday apartments and residential lettings".

Potential signs of modern slavery include a malnourished or neglected physical appearance, being fearful or anxious, poor living conditions, restricted freedom or unusual travel times.

Anyone with concerns about human trafficking or modern slavery should phone police on 101, 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.