A REPORT which investigates how police forces across the country are tackling modern slavery and human trafficking crimes has praised the work of Cumbria Constabulary.

The inspection, which was carried out by by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), came not long after county-wide figures revealed 111 calls providing information of exploitation, had been made to the force in the past six months- compared to 130 the previous year.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall said the report was "excellent" and recognised the "significant" work done by Cumbria police.

"It really is a fantastic achievement to be one of the three forces in the country to be noted by HMICFRS Inspectors for the great work being done by our force here in Cumbria.

"We are often quick to criticise the police but this work demonstrates that we are fortunate to have a proactive and professional Police Force in Cumbria.

"Sadly Modern Slavery does exist and is a horrible crime - I have seen for myself many great examples of how the Constabulary have worked hard to raise awareness of this scourge, and how hard they work to prevent vulnerable people from being exploited.

So far this year, officers have taken action to safeguard 23 vulnerable people but Mr McCall has said the force cannot afford to be complacent, saying he will continue to scrutinise their performance in all aspects of crime.

Officers are also urging members of the public to continue sharing information with them which often proves vital in the battle to combat exploitation.

Detective Superintendent Dean Holden, Crime Command at Cumbria Constabulary, said: “There is still a perception in Cumbria that these type of offences are unlikely to be happening in this county and are issues for larger-populated areas of the UK.

"This is simply incorrect, modern slavery and human trafficking can unfortunately occur in any community with victims so isolated that they feel they cannot disclose what is happening to them."

Signs that someone is being exploited could include:

* Scared and withdrawn

* No confidence

* Unexplained injuries

* May live and work in same place

* No access to passport or documents

* Limited contact with family, or outside world

* Doesn’t know home or work address

* Forced or intimidated to work, with low or no pay

* Distrustful

* Poor hygiene and unkempt appearance

*Speaks little English

How to report concerns about slavery

Information can be given completely anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by using the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Alternatively, you can report it directly to Cumbria police by calling 101.