The first annual report by the Devon and Cornwall Police-led new modern slavery unit reveals the number of operations has tripled since 2015.

The report by the Modern Slavery Police Transformation Unit, which is based in Exmouth, highlights the work of the unit since it was set up in April last year.

A ‘significant increase’ in the number of modern slavery operations being led by the police has happened since 2015, when the Modern Slavery Act 2015 became law.

In February this year police held 568 live Modern Slavery operations, more than triple the 188 being managed in December 2015.

‘The Modern Slavery Police Transformation Unit, funded by the Home Office, is supporting forces and other agencies to improve the way modern slavery is tackled in the UK, and this rise is partly down to the increased awareness and proactivity of police,’ says the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for modern slavery, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, Devon and Cornwall’s chief constable.

‘It means police are identifying more victims of modern slavery than ever before, ensuring they get the support they need and exploitation is stopped.

Minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, Victoria Atkins said: ‘Modern slavery and trafficking are cruel and wicked crimes that see perpetrators target some of the most vulnerable in society.

‘Via the Police Transformation Fund the Home Office provided Devon and Cornwall Police £8.5 million to transform the national policing response. This has helped to provide funding for over 60 new and dedicated roles focused on strengthening the operational response.

‘There is much more to be done to end this despicable crime but this report shows that we are seeing a step change in the police response to modern slavery.’