Police working to raise awareness about human trafficking

Bancroft OPP wants you to recognize the signs that someone you know may be the victim of human trafficking.

This comes as the OPP has launched a province-wide poster campaign to raise awareness about the issue. Constable Philippe Regamey says the local detachment will be taking part, and will be putting up posters in a number of public places.

According to police, human trafficking involves people being recruited, transported, or harboured, and exploited. Regamey says, while the issue is not prevalent in North Hastings, it is in Ontario.  He says more victims are now being recruited from small towns, similar to those in North Hastings, with promises of a better life.

Regamey says there are a number of signs someone is the victim of human trafficking.

Police say other signs that someone is a human trafficking victim include:

– They seem afraid, anxious, or depressed.

– Someone else speaks on their behalf.

– Someone else holds their ID.

– They don’t have basic necessities.

– They have a tattoo or branding to show they belong to someone.

– They have scars or injuries from being abused.

– They are not in contact with their friends or family.

If you’re concerned someone you know is the victim or involved with human trafficking, Regamey says you can contact the OPP or Crime Stoppers.