AUTHORITIES met to discuss how to tackle modern slavery across Cheshire.

A conference, which was hosted by Cheshire Police, took place on Monday to share current thinking, raise awareness and develop a collaborative approach to addressing this growing crime.

Partners attending the conference include Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Halton Borough Council and Warrington Borough Council.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “It is a sad fact of life that modern slavery is happening today, in our communities, often hidden away behind closed doors.

“Although action is already being taken by officers and partners to locate victims and trace offenders, there is always so much more that can be done and working together jointly helps play an important part in making sure we achieve this."

Modern slavery stems from organised crime and targets some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

It is largely a hidden crime coercing adults and children into a range of exploitation including trafficking, forced labour, child slavery and domestic servitude.

To highlight the issue in Cheshire, police and partner agencies will help deliver a two-year action plan.

Work will be carried out collectively and collaboratively between all agencies.

David Keane, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Modern slavery is a real and devastating crime, and often victims are hidden in plain sight.

“One of my policing priorities is to ‘support victims and protect the vulnerable’ and I fully endorse this kind of joined-up, multi-service approach which is so valuable in terms of eradicating this terrible issue.”

David Parr, chief executive Halton Council and chairman of the Pan Cheshire protecting Vulnerable People Board, said: “Across the region, we recognise the reality that trafficking, slavery and exploitation is not a problem of the past.

“It is happening right here, right now – and we will not tolerate it.

“The time has come for concerted, co-ordinated action to ensure that children and adults are protected.”