Drivers targeted by anti-slavery billboard

A billboard, produced by Cambridgeshire police is located in Fenstanton on the old stretch of the A14 heading from the A1 towards Cambridge, and features a simple design intended to be read in a quick glance by passing motorists.

The billboard campaign began on Monday (6 July) and runs until 3 August. It also follows a two-week radio advertising campaign on Heart Radio with the same objective.

Detective Superintendent Becky Tipping said: “Billboard advertising is another of the communication methods we are using to try and target those who could now help us tackle modern slavery when they couldn’t do so before.

“We need people to speak up if something doesn’t feel quite right and we hope this simple message plays on people’s minds and encourages them to report their concerns to us, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

“That one extra report could save a life. People don’t need to be sure that modern slavery is taking place or fully understand the types and definitions to report their suspicions.

“With modern slavery being a hidden crime, tackling it can be challenging and that’s why we are doing all we can to reach out to people who may be able to help us as a result of their circumstances changing.

“Just a few of the signs to spot are listed below but there’s a wide range of extra information on the force’s modern slavery web page.”

The force’s modern slavery campaign activity over recent months shines a spotlight on the Coronavirus pandemic which has forced some people to change where they work, and who they work with.

These people could now consequently be part of a new group who could help the force’s efforts to tackle modern slavery – a force priority.

Many things have changed due to Covid-19, but the campaign work enforces the message that slavery is still here, and the police need the public’s help to fight it.