Trafford Council is continuing to work with partners to crack down on those committing offences relating to modern-day slavery across the borough.
The Council’s Community Safety, Trading Standards and Environmental Health team joined forces with Greater Manchester Police recently to close properties in Altrincham and Stretford.
A 51 year old female was arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences and is being questioned after a warrant was issued at the property on Stamford New Road in Altrincham on Thursday August 24, 2023. The Stretford property was also closed and a male was subsequently arrested for breaching a closure notice.
The Council applied for – and was granted – closure orders on both properties at Manchester Magistrates Court. The closure orders will remain in place for three month and a plan has been put in place to support victims.
The Council and police took action at the address in Streford following information given to the office of Stretford and Urmston MP Andrew Western.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "The Council’s Community Safety and Environmental Health officers and Greater Manchester Police carried out raids on the two premises after complaints from members of the public that they were being used for unlawful purposes.
“We were granted full closure orders under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on the grounds that the persons occupying the premises have engaged in criminal behaviour and that the use of the premises has resulted in a serious nuisance to members of the public.
“Trafford Council will continue to work with partner agencies to crack down on criminal behaviour within our communities.”
Inspector Scott Wolstenholme of GMP’s Trafford district said; “Following intelligence we received in relation to our Operation AVRO enquiries last month, we have been able to attend properties as part of our ongoing investigations into modern-day slavery.
“We have made arrests in connection with this type of crime which severely exploits people’s rights for someone else’s gain and understand it’s an unreported issue, so want to make it clear we are determined to continue to tackle this head on in conjunction with the Council’s additional enforcement.”
You can report any modern slavery suspicions or get advice through the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.
If you want to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Posted on Thursday 14th September 2023