COMMUNITIES across the Keighley district are being urged to help bring an end to human trafficking and modern slavery.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said the assistance of the public was needed to stop the "horrendous" crime.

He was speaking after the National Crime Agency (NCA) released figures showing the scale of the issue.

There are currently 300 live policing operations across the UK targeting modern slavery.

Between May and June, the NCA made 111 arrests and encountered 130 possible victims during operations.

Mr Burns-Williamson said that in West Yorkshire, the number of offences recorded under the Modern Slavery Act each year was also rising.

"The NCA has done some brilliant work in tackling human trafficking and modern slavery and I applaud it for raising awareness of these issues," he said.

"The main point to drive home is that this horrendous crime is happening everywhere and we need our communities' help to stop it.

"It's absolutely crucial that communities familiarise themselves with the signs and indicators and report their suspicions to the modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.

"The helpline – launched last year – operates 24/7 with fully-trained specialist staff who provide bespoke support, as well as gathering information and intelligence.

"It has so far received 1,799 calls and made 1,051 referrals, with more than 2,000 potential modern slavery victims identified."

Mr Burns-Williamson, who is also the national PCC lead on the issue, added: "General indicators of human trafficking or modern slavery can include signs of physical or psychological abuse, fear of authorities, no ID documents, poor living conditions and working long hours for little or no pay.

"I made tackling human trafficking and modern slavery a key priority and have been at the forefront of the fight.

"Here in West Yorkshire, I've supported and invested in training for frontline officers and the creation of a dedicated team of detectives – solely focused on stopping these criminals and recovering victims – and further increased partnership working and information sharing.

"Nationally – with the support of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the National Police Chiefs' Council – I helped create the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery National Network.

"Human trafficking and modern slavery destroy lives.

"They are terrible abuses of human rights, shamefully robbing people of their dignity and causing total misery to the victims, their families and our communities.

"We all need to work together to stop it."

For more details about the modern slavery helpline, visit modernslaveryhelpline.org.