Potential child trafficking and modern slavery victims were protected by Thames Valley Police in a week-long crackdown.

Around 20 possible victims were identified and safeguarded in the Thames Valley region, while officers also established a number of offences involving drug supply, immigration and trafficking offences.

The activity, under Project Aidant, an NCA-led law-enforcement response, took place during the week of 28 June as part of a Europe-wide operation, involving 19 police forces from across the UK, including Thames Valley Police, as well as other partners including Border Force, Immigration Enforcement, British Transport Police, HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit also supported the operation by looking across information held on different police systems to build risk profiles for individuals.

They helped to identify more than 80 people subject to a combination of risk factors, such as previous connections to organised crime, having been involved in drugs or violence or being subject to a multi-agency management plan.

TVP said every person was given a review of their situation and where required, necessary visits were undertaken to assess whether further support or safeguarding actions were needed.

Chief Superintendent Jim Weems, Head of Force Intelligence and Specialist Operations, said: “Our week of action, working in partnership, created significant intelligence and identified a number of vulnerable individuals, for whom safeguarding has been put in place.

“Our actions have helped to ensure a number of individuals are no longer at risk of modern slavery and human trafficking, while the intelligence gather identified a number of possible offences for which investigations are continuing.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking is absolutely abhorrent, and Thames Valley Police remain committed to ensuring that any such offences are investigated thoroughly and offenders brought to justice.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of vulnerable people, and would always urge the public to contact us if they have any information that could help us to safeguard anybody at risk of such offences.

“You can report to us online or by calling 101, or for 100% anonymity, by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”