THREE men have been arrested in connection to having links with the sex trade.

Properties in Basingstoke, Southampton and Portsmouth on four separate days during the week commencing Monday, June 26 as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s ongoing work to tackle modern day slavery.

Officers visited nine addresses during the course of the operation, and gave safeguarding advice to 10 women and arrested three men.

The week of action aims to identify and safeguard victims of modern day slavery working in the sex trade in Hampshire. It is also an opportunity to gather information and intelligence relating to any associated trafficking and organised crime.

Detective Inspector Tim Chappell who has been leading this week’s activity said: “This activity focuses heavily on safeguarding potential victims of modern slavery. We have a specialist team in force trained to work with victims of modern slavery, these officers will be leading the visits. 

“Alongside our partners we are showing potential victims that there is help and support available to escape from a life of modern slavery. They may come from countries where the relationship with the police and other authorities is very different to the UK and may not know who to turn to or how to contact them for help. 

“Although the focus of this operation is not on prosecuting the commercial sex worker, we have made arrests in connection with controlling exploitation.”

The three men aged 54, 48 and 31 from Hampshire were arrested in connection with controlling prostitution. All three have been released under investigation.

Anyone with information relating to modern day slavery in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is encouraged to contact police on 101.