Police have targeted car washes, nail bars and brothels in Maidstone in a bid to raise awareness about modern slavery.

Officers from the town's community safety unit, along with Maidstone Borough Council’s community protection team, visited 10 businesses last week.

They spoke to managers and employees at the establishments to ensure legislation governing workers' rights was being followed and nobody was being exploited.

Everyone was also given the opportunity to speak to police and council representatives privately.

As a result, a search warrant was executed last Friday at a business and connected accommodation in Sandling Road.

Officers seized around 450 cannabis plants along with cultivation equipment, and three people were arrested in connection with drug offences.

Many of the plants were fully grown and being kept in four separate rooms.

"We are determined to protect the most vulnerable in our society ..."

Inspector Steve Kent said: "Our teams spoke to 32 people at the various premises to ensure nobody was being exploited or treated inappropriately.

"We are determined to protect the most vulnerable in our society and it is hoped any potential victims would have had the confidence to speak to us privately while we were there.

"We will also take appropriate enforcement action when any criminal activity is uncovered.

"These visits will be repeated on a regular basis to help build our knowledge of who is present, who controls the business and whether any offences are being committed.

"Finally, I would urge anybody who suspects a brothel has been established in their area, to inform us.

"Modern slavery and other organised crimes are often undertaken in plain slight but behind the façade of legitimate business..."

"This will allow officers to pay a timely visit and identify if any vulnerable people are at the address."

During the visits, those present received advice about how to spot the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery, and whom to inform.

Maidstone Borough Council deputy leader, Jonathan Purle, said: "Modern slavery and other organised crimes are often undertaken in plain slight but behind the façade of legitimate business.

"Our community protection team is working alongside Kent Police and other agencies to identify and disrupt activity that could be harbouring more sinister operations.

"The hope is that these operations will not only uncover any illegal activity, but will also build on our reputation as a partnership who will work together to protect people from exploitation within our borough."

Anybody who suspects someone may be the victim of modern slavery is urged to report it on 101 or online here.

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