MODERN slavery is a hidden crime that people across North Wales need to understand to help police tackle it.

That's the view of Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Wayne Jones speaking to mark Anti-Slavery Day on October 18.

Considered one of the most damaging and challenging crimes happening today in the UK, Anti-Slavery Day was designed to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery and encourage Government, local authorities, companies, charities and individuals to do what they can to address the problem.

Each year more and more charities, individuals, local authorities and police forces take action to mark Anti-Slavery Day.

DPCC Jones said: "Modern slavery remains one of the most damaging and pervasive crimes in the UK.

"It is often hidden and is very much under-reported. I welcome the recognition and promotion of Anti-Slavery Day to raise awareness and understanding of what modern slavery looks like in North Wales and what can be done to combat it."

If you suspect an instance of modern slavery and you believe the situation is an emergency you should call the police on 999.

Alternatively you can report cases to the National Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121700, www.unseenuk.org or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or  crimestoppers-uk.org.

"Modern slavery will generally fall under one of four categories - labour exploitation, criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation or domestic servitude," said DPCC Jones. "It is often a key feature of serious and organised crime.

"Its victims include the most vulnerable in our society. Many are children, often from disadvantaged and difficult backgrounds, frequently exposed to serious violence and abuse and all of them in need of an effective public service response.  

"The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner works with key partners to strengthen the approach to victims of modern slavery.  We want to raise awareness of what it can look like in North Wales.

"Is a young person selling drugs a county lines victim? Is the dishevelled car wash attendant there willingly or is he a trafficked worker? Modern slavery is everybody’s concern and we ask the public to be vigilant for the signs that something is not right."