Property sector put on human trafficking alert

Landlords and letting agents, along with solicitors working in the property market, can help tackle human trafficking in Scotland by being aware and alive to the problem, according to an alert from Police Scotland.

Issuing a call to all those working in the residential property sector, the national force emphasised trafficking and exploitation is happening in Scotland and affecting men, women and children on a daily basis. Every one of those people lives or is forced to work somewhere and very often those premises are rented, it points out.

Questions landlords and letting agents should consider include:

• Do you know who is residing in your premises? Are they the same person that completed the tenancy agreement? Do they change on a regular basis? Are the premises suitable and appropriate for the number of occupants?
• Is the occupant in possession of their own passport, identification or travel documents? Can they communicate on their own behalf? Does the occupant act as if they were instructed or coached by someone else?
• Is the occupant responsible for paying for their own tenancy? If not, who is?
• Does the occupant have freedom of movement? Do they appear withdrawn or frightened?
• Is there evidence of the premises being used for prostitution? Are you aware of anti-social complaints?

Victims may not speak English, their travel and identity documents will have been taken and they are threatened with violence if they plan or attempt to escape, the police say. However victims are not always trafficked from abroad. Also, very often people do not see themselves as trafficked or understand that they are being exploited and are entitled to help and support.

Police Scotland can provide free “document awareness” inputs to landlords and letting agents to help identify false documents.

Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Gilfillan of Police Scotland’s Human Trafficking Unit said: “Landlords and letting agencies have an important role to play in helping Police Scotland and its partners tackle human trafficking. We are asking them to be responsible by making sure they know who is renting their premises. This awareness will help us make Scotland a hostile environment for traffickers to operate in and put an end to modern day slavery.”

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact Police Scotland, National Human Trafficking Unit by calling 101 or email scdhumantrafficking@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Call 999 if you think someone is in immediate danger.

There is a Modern Slavery Helpline: 0800 0121 700