POLICE have launched a week-long operation aimed at identifying and closing pop-up brothels.

Operation Aident is a joint campaign between police, the National Crime Agency and law enforcement agencies to target sexual exploitation.

The focus of this week’s campaign will see police visit pop-up brothels linked to adult websites.

Det Sgt Abi Finch-Hall, of Lancashire Police’s Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery team, said: “Some adult sex websites are used by sex workers to advertise their services online. The highest proportion of advertisements relates to women.

“Often rented properties or hotel rooms are used on a short term basis as a place to sell sex, hence the term ‘pop-up brothel’. Some people who advertise in this way may be victims of sexual exploitation, a form of modern slavery, in which they are controlled by their exploiter and forced to in to prostitution with no freedom of choice.

“We want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of potential victims and will be targeting addresses throughout Lancashire to achieve this.”

It comes on the back of a number of raids in Blackburn, Preston, and other areas of the country which have seen a number of men and women jailed for their roles in the exploitation of Eastern European women.

In June a Romanian gang which operated five brothels out of houses in Blackburn and other ones in Preston, Manchester and Luton and trafficked at least 13 women were jailed for 16 years.

In December, nine men who exploited 11 women into working as prostitutes from houses in Blackburn and Preston were jailed for 22 years.

In both cases the victim’s sexual services were advertised on the adult classified advertising website ‘viva street’.

The aim of the latest operation, which will focus on towns and cities in throughout Lancashire, is to identify and support victims of trafficking, as well as arrest any suspects.

Police are encouraging victims of modern slavery and human trafficking to come forward.

Det Sgt Finch-Hall added: “We want to offer help and advice for people who think they may be victims of human trafficking or slavery.”

“You may be a victim if someone is controlling where you live or your money or with-holding your travel or identity documents from you. If they are controlling where you go, who you speak to, what you eat, you may be a victim.

“If you are frightened or are being threatened by others who are making you work there are people that can help you.

“As a victim you have rights and help and advice is out there. Help can be in the form of safe temporary accommodation, medical treatment or a translator to help you to communicate. You can also be provided with some legal advice.

“There are a number of ways you can contact someone for help. You don’t have to speak directly to the police there are charities that can help you. You can also ring some services anonymously; you do not have to give your name or go to court or give a statement.”

Police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Tackling modern slavery and human trafficking is a key priority for us in Lancashire, and this week of action is another sign of the work being done to help those being exploited and bring offenders to justice.

“I am proud that the resources I have put into this fight places us at the forefront of anti-trafficking work, making our communities safer, with the action taking place this week also highlighting the need for agencies and organisations across the county to work in partnership.

“By working together, sharing information with the authorities and supporting victims we can tackle this serious and often hidden crime.” Call the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700 or visit lancashire.police.uk/modernslavery