OFFICERS from Police Scotland have visited 86 businesses across the Borders as part of a major human trafficking awareness-raising initiative.

The force has been out in Peebles to highlight the exploitation of vulnerable people, give details of how to report concerns and the support available to victims.

Visits were made to businesses across the four local authority areas, including premises such as restaurants, care homes and car washes.

In addition to Peebles, officers also gave leaflets and advice to shops and other businesses across Dalkeith town centre, and general awareness raising patrols were carried out in Hawick and Kelso.

Detective Inspector Paul Batten said: “Human Trafficking is very much hidden but is happening within the Scottish Borders. Individuals often don’t see themselves as victims which is why we will proactively seek to identify them through visits like yesterday’s.

“We are determined to improve the intelligence picture in order to gain a better understanding of trafficking in Scotland and the organised crime groups who are involved, and the work we have carried out will inform the next steps we take.”

Officers were supported in the visits by partner agencies as well as Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit, a dedicated team which deals with this complex issue and liaise with partners and law enforcement both in the UK, Europe and internationally.

DI Batten added: “We worked closely with the Immigration Service. Their expertise is vital in being able to provide support and help to anyone who we find has been trafficked into the country for the purposes of labour or sexual exploitation, and take appropriate action.

“Trafficking is unacceptable. We will target those who control, abuse and exploit others by working collaboratively with partners to ensure that Scotland is a hostile environment to this sickening trade.”