Police visit car washes to check on modern slavery concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

Staffordshire Police visited two car washes in Stafford as part of efforts to tackle modern slavery and organised crime.

Staffordshire Police visited two car washes in Stafford on 15 October to check working conditions, wages and worker wellbeing. The multi-agency operation involved immigration enforcement officers, Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, the Fair Work Agency and the Justice and Care charity.

Police said cash-in-hand car wash businesses can be used as fronts for organised crime gangs. PC Helen Walker said the visits aimed to 'ensure the welfare and wellbeing of workers and to gain a deeper understanding of business operations'. No issues were raised during the inspections, which were intended to 'build intelligence and improve relationships with business owners in the town'.

Staffordshire Police has a dedicated modern slavery and human trafficking team. The force urged anyone with concerns about a business or unusual activity to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How it is being reported

• Two Stafford car washes visited as part of police's modern slavery crackdownPolice conducted multi-agency visits to two car washes in Stafford to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of workers.Express & Star · 16 Oct, 12:14
• Police quiz Midlands car wash workers to gain 'deeper understanding of business operations'Two businesses were visited as part of multi-agency efforts to tackle modern slaveryBirminghamLive · 16 Oct, 12:06

In this story: Staffordshire Police · Stafford · Fair Work Agency · Justice and Care · HMRC · Crimestoppers

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