Hertfordshire Constabulary conducted a modern slavery operation on Thursday, December 12th, resulting in the arrest of a 50-year-old Dunstable man.

Officers visited an address in Elstree where they discovered a woman in distress. Investigations revealed that she was a foreign national who had been trafficked into sex work upon arrival in the UK.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Watkins stated that this unfortunate situation highlights the vulnerability of individuals who may be exploited upon entering the country. Victims often face limited control over their work, with their earnings controlled by traffickers. Fear and the removal of travel documents further restrict their freedom.

The arrested individual was released on bail pending further investigation into human trafficking and modern slavery offenses.

Police have successfully shut down a suspected brothel in Adelaide Square, Bedford, following months of complaints from local residents. The property, located in the Harpur ward, had been causing significant disturbances for neighbors, according to authorities.

On Wednesday, October 16, Luton Magistrates' Court granted a three-month closure order for the property, preventing anyone from entering the premises. Police officers who attended the court hearing cited numerous reports of anti-social behavior and illegal activities taking place at the location.

In a social media post, police expressed satisfaction with the closure, stating that it would provide relief to local residents and businesses who had been affected by the ongoing problems associated with the property

Date of Event: Thursday, May 4th 2023

Time of Event: 9:30 AM — 1:15 PM

Place of Event: Webinar

There were believed to be 105,000 individuals in the UK who are involved in prostitution, up from 72,000 in 2016. The vast majority of these are women. The cost-of-living crisis is pushing yet more women into sex work and forcing them to take work from violent and exploitative clients. A 2015 National Ugly Mugs Our survey with Leeds University found 49% of sex workers were “worried” or “very worried” about their safety and 47% have been targeted by offenders. Meanwhile, 49% were either “unconfident” or “very unconfident” that police would take their reports seriously. It is estimated that 152 sex workers were murdered in the UK between 1990 and 2015. The charity Beyond the Streets highlights that 76% of those involved in prostitution experience some form of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of this work.

Currently, sex work is legal in England, Wales and Scotland, but many of the surrounding aspects remain illegal, such as solicitation or running a brothel. The UK government have stated though that whilst they do not intend to change the law around sex work, they are committed to tackling the harm and exploitation associated with sex work. The Scottish government has also been criticised for focussing their support in this area towards charities that are not backed by sex workers, and that are focussed on getting people out of the industry rather than supporting those in it.

The Home Affairs Committee’s 2016 report, Prostitution, recommended a shift to complete decriminalisation. Dan Vajzovic, the National Police Chief Council’s lead for prostitution, who is working alongside government officials to reassess brothel keeping legislation, has called on the government to review prostitution laws to ensure sex workers can work together on the same premises to remain safe. This would “better enable the police to focus our resources on protecting sex workers and tackling those who are controlling or exploiting,” Vajzovic argues. According to National Ugly Mugs, sex workers are ten times safer working indoors than on the streets.

Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for women and equalities, who supports the decriminalisation of brothel keeping, has called for a proper government strategy to accompany it. Also supporting decriminalisation of brothels, Labour MP, Nadia Whittome, has highlighted that “Other laws aimed at sex work – such as soliciting – should also be repealed, to improve sex workers’ rights, safety and ability to leave the sex industry if they choose. Alongside decriminalisation, the government must urgently tackle the growing levels of poverty that are pushing more women into sex work to make ends meet.”

This timely symposium will provide sex workers, safeguarding boards, police forces, local authorities, and social care providers with an opportunity to identify and debate priorities for reform and develop strategies for protecting and expanding the rights of sex workers.

Dan Vajzovic, the National Police Chief Council’s lead for prostitution and sex work, told The Independent he is working alongside government officials to reassess brothel keeping legislation.

Politicians and campaigners said this marks a “milestone moment” as well as a change in approach from the police – arguing overhauling the law could save women’s lives.

Mr Vajzovic, Bedfordshire Police’s temporary deputy chief constable, said present laws mean brothel keeping is an offence even if it is done to “improve their safety”.

Commenting on the police officer’s remarks, Nadia Whittome, Labour MP for Nottingham East, told The Independent: Right now, too many sex workers work alone for fear of prosecution, increasing the risks they face. “Changing the law on brothel keeping so that sex workers could work from the same premise would be an important step in the right direction. 

A guide has been published with information on the law relating to sex workers, and where to get help. The guide has information on working safley.