BROTHELS and street prostitution are being targeted in Southend as council bosses work alongside police in a bid to tackle modern day slavery.

Police and Southend Council is working alongside the “Southend Against Modern Slavery Partnership” to host an anti-slavery day aimed at helping the public recognise the signs of slavery and spot young people and women being exploited.

As part of the campaign, police have revealed how they have been cracking down on brothels and street prostitution to help people who are being exploited for sex work.

Insp David Gardiner, of the Southend community policing team, said: “We work very closely with partners in Southend to try to identify and support victims of modern slavery.

“Alongside partners from immigration and adult sex work support agencies, we’ve targeted suspected brothels and street prostitution to safeguard people who may be exploited for sex work.

“We have also targeted labour exploitation in the shellfish trade with colleagues from Southend Council and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.

“We will continue to do all we can to prevent and disrupt this type of criminality.”

An information stall has been set up in the Forum to mark anti-slavery day – which is today – and share information aimed at empowering residents to recognise the signs of modern slavery.

The council and its partners are also publishing crucial messages and videos across social media platforms, educating the public on how to identify the often-obscured signs.

Indicators of exploitation encompass coercion, control, abuse, isolation, indebtedness, malnourishment, dehumanization, restriction, anxiety, and dependency.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for public protection, added: “Modern slavery is a global problem, but we want to do all we can in Southend to highlight the issue and stop it happening in our city.

“If people know what modern slavery is and what the signs are, then it is easier for people to report it.

“Often those trapped in these situations are the least able to raise the alarm, so we need our community to be vigilant and report any concerns they may have.”

If you suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery, report it by calling 101.