NEARLY 800 modern slavery offences were recorded by West Yorkshire Police in a three-year period – but just three per cent of cases resulted in a charge or summons.

The figures were released by the force through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain.

It covers a wide range of abuse and exploitation including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, criminal exploitation and even organ harvesting.

Victims are tricked or threatened into work and may feel unable to leave or report the crime – they may not even recognise they are a victim.

Earlier this year, a safe space for victims of modern slavery opened in West Yorkshire.

Haven House, which was funded by a Home Office grant, is a place where victims can wash, eat and rest before being debriefed as part of ongoing investigations.

It provides an alternative to taking victims to a police station, which can potentially be traumatising.

According to the FOI figures, 796 Modern Slavery offences were recorded between January 2019 and December 2021 – 321 of those were in 2019; 252 were in 2020 and 223 were recorded last year.

Just 27 resulted in a charge or summons, while in 14 cases action was undertaken by another agency.

In 244 cases, the investigation was said to be ‘complete’ with no suspect identified and in 285 cases, there were evidential difficulties.

In one case, the offender died, and in another, a prosecution was not deemed to be in the public interest. ‘Diversionary, educational or intervention activity’ was the outcome for another case.

A total of 223 cases are still ongoing.

West Yorkshire Police said it takes a “multifaceted” approach to human trafficking.

A spokesperson said: “Safeguarding Units and Crime Investigation Teams at each of the five policing districts have been trained in this area of work and conduct district level investigations.”

A dedicated team has also been created which deals with human trafficking at an organised crime level, while also supporting the district teams.

The spokesperson said: “The team have had specialist training in Human Trafficking both in force and from Partner Agencies such as Hope for Justice.”

The West Yorkshire Anti-Trafficking Network has also been set up, while policing districts carry out work at a more local level, through engaging communities and increasing awareness.

“It is the intention that each district will continue to work to develop partnership responses to ensure victims get access to the best support possible,” said the spokesperson.