Commissioner vows to end modern slavery in county

Cambridgeshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says he is committed to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from the county.

Darryl Preston joined Chief Constable Simon Megicks in signing a refreshed Modern Slavery Statement at a recent police accountability meeting.

The document outlines measures designed to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation within the force and its supply chains.

Preston said: "When we talk about slavery it is, to many, incomprehensible that it exists in our county, but it is unfortunately very much an issue."

Modern-day slavery can be hiding in plain sight with workers exploited, held captive and often threatened or punished to stop them escaping.

"Seeking support can be difficult for many migrants who come to the UK believing they are being given a job and a new life only to discover when they arrive here, they are being condemned to a life of slavery," Preston added.

In June, a couple were jailed for their part in a criminal network that trafficked vulnerable men into the UK and forced them to work at a branch of McDonald's in Cambridgeshire.

In 2024, a BBC investigation revealed a gang forced 16 victims to work at a McDonalds fast-food restaurant and a factory that supplied bread products to major supermarkets, including Asda, Co-op, M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Waitrose.

Megicks said: "We encourage anyone who suspects these crimes are happening or where something doesn't look quite right, to report it to us.

"We would much rather visit the premises and discover everything is legitimate than have a victim of slavery trapped in an unimaginable situation."

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