Staffordshire Police is asking for the public’s help in reducing people trafficking and other serious immigration crime.

They are asking local residents to be the eyes and ears of their community, helping protect vulnerable victims and bring offenders to justice.

There are a number of tell-tale signs which people can look for, explained DC Scott McGrath, organised immigration crime officer.

“Examples could include a house or flat being used as a brothel. In these cases the women are seldom or never seen, or they leave and are replaced by a different group every few weeks. The women are likely to carry suitcases and there may also be a lot of men coming and going, day and night.

“In many cases the women living there will have been trafficked. They may be there against their wills, or fearful of retribution against their families at home.

“We are keen to help victims escape and we will support them in finding a safe refuge. We have also had some significant successes in brothel closures. Another advantage of this for local communities is that it rids them of the nuisance and distress of having this type of establishment in their neighbourhood.

“We are also asking the brothels’ customers to contact Crimestoppers if they have concerns about the women there – if they feel they are there against their will or are in fear. They can call 0800 555 111 and know that their call is anonymous and won’t be traced – no-one will ever know they called.

“Another area of crime we are keen to receive information about is people who are working in Staffordshire under false documents. In these cases it could be people being dropped off in large groups at workplaces and being paid cash-in-hand to work very long shifts.

“It could be signs of massive over-occupancy at a property with people regularly turning up with suitcases. Recently we were tipped off after local residents became suspicious about the number of bin bags outside a property.”

There are also concerns that people may use false identities to cover the fact they are wanted for committing serious offences, DC McGrath added. Any concerns should either be reported to police direct on 08453 30 20 10 or to Crimestoppers.

“We are very pleased with the excellent information we get from members of the public about these types of offences. For instance, between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006, Crimestoppers received 25 calls about immigration crime. This rose to 29 between 1 April 2006 and the end of October.

“There is growing awareness about these types of crime, and when the public work with police by reporting suspicious incidents, we can do even more to reduce offending and protect the vulnerable.”