People are being urged to keep a look-out for people who may be victims of modern slavery.

St Albans City and District Council is working with other agencies, through the Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership, to raise awareness of the signs of modern slavery.

The Home Office estimated that there were between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK in 2013.

Modern slavery is a crime that often goes unseen and can be linked to people trafficking.

It takes different forms and often occurs where people are held against their will or are being forced to work for little or no pay.

Neil Kieran, who is the principal community protection officer at the Council, said: “Modern slavery takes many forms, including forced labour or servitude, and can involve the trafficking of people.

“Victims are often vulnerable people who are scared to come forward and, in some cases, may not even be aware that they are being subjected to slavery.

“We are working with partners to raise awareness of the signs of modern slavery and to encourage residents to help us spot victims of this crime.

“Anyone with concerns that an individual may be a victim should call the national helpline on 0800 0121 700 or the police on 101.”

Signs to watch out for that indicate individuals may be victims of modern slavery include:

• Physical appearance. Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn.

• Isolation. Victims may rarely be allowed to travel independently, seem under the control or influence of others, appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or work location, or hardly interact.

• Poor living conditions. Victims may be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation and/ or living and working at the same address.

• Few or no personal effects. Victims may have no identification documents and few personal possessions. They will always wear the same clothes day in day out and what they do wear may be unsuitable for their work.

• Restricted freedom of movement. Victims have little opportunity to move freely and may have had their travel documents retained, such as passports.

• Unusual travel times. Victims may be dropped off for, or collected from work on a regular basis, either early in the morning or late at night.

• Reluctant to seek help. Victims may avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and possibly fear law enforcers for a variety of reasons. They may not know who to trust or where to get help, or fear deportation or acts of violence towards them or their family.