
More than 140 potential victims of modern day slavery have been rescued by West Yorkshire Police this year.
The force published the statistic to mark Anti-Slavery Day yesterday, 18 October.
Officers from across the force joined partners including members of the Human Trafficking Unit and the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner in a series of operations across the county over the past year.
Officers and partners visited a number of business premises thought to have links to human trafficking to speak to the employers and employees.
As part of the operations two interim Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders were issued to people. It is the first time the force has used this power.
The orders, which are agreed by a Magistrate, ban those served with them from communicating with named individuals identified as potential trafficking victims. They can also place restrictions on travel and where people live.