A Bedford woman has become the subject of what police believe is the first Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order secured in Bedfordshire.
The interim order was granted at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 28 May and is designed to protect children from exploitation and prevent them from being drawn into criminal activity.
Bedfordshire Police said the order was obtained following intelligence suggesting the 33-year-old woman was involved in the supply of controlled drugs and had used young people to assist with distribution.
The woman has not been named.
What is the order?
A Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) is a civil order that can be used to restrict individuals where there is evidence they pose a risk of committing offences linked to slavery, trafficking or exploitation.
The interim order was secured by Bedfordshire Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Investigation Team (CMIT), with support from Northamptonshire Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Civil Order Team and Bedfordshire Police Legal Services.
Under the conditions imposed by the court, the woman is prohibited from allowing anyone under 21 who is not an immediate family member or close relative to enter her address.
She is also banned from contacting several individuals, most of whom are children.
Restrictions imposed
The order also prevents the woman from facilitating travel for anyone other than immediate family members unless Bedfordshire Police is notified at least 24 hours in advance.
In addition, she must provide written notification to police within 24 hours of the full address of any property she owns, occupies, controls, or has access to, including any business premises.
Breaching any condition of the order is a criminal offence and can carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
Protecting children
Detective inspector James Clatworthy said: “Child criminal exploitation will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire, and we will continue to take action against those involved.
“This interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order is a vital tool in protecting children from being drawn into criminality. It also allows us to proactively target and restrict individuals who pose a risk to our communities.”
He added, “For us to keep using powers like this effectively, we need the public’s help. Please report any concerns or suspicions, no matter how small.”
Bedfordshire Police is encouraging residents to learn more about the signs of child criminal exploitation and to report concerns where they believe a young person may be at risk.
To learn more about the signs that a child may be being exploited and how to report concerns, visit beds.police.uk.
