AYR has been exposed as one of the locations in Scotland where victims of human trafficking has been identified.

For the first time, 27 locations around the country have been highlighted as areas where human trafficking has been exposed over the last five years.

Research published as part of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy in May this year showed that 54 per cent of people in Scotland still do not believe that trafficking an issue in their local area.

However, South Ayrshire is one of the locations revealed in the report.
Human trafficking is where adults and children are traded and exploited for personal benefit. It is an abuse of human rights which causes victims lasting physical and psychological damage.

Trafficking can involve victims being sexually exploited or forced into the role of a servant, or trapped in forced labour.

Nail bars, car washes and construction work are amongst the industries where potential cases in Scotland have been reported.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Houston, in charge of Police Scotland’s National Human Trafficking Unit, said: “Tackling human trafficking is a priority for Police Scotland.

“It is exploitation and victimisation of vulnerable people and while challenging and complex to investigate, 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.

“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.”

South Ayrshire has been pinpointed as an area where victims have been recognised and recovered.

Councillor Derek McCabe for Ayr West, added: “I am really disappointed and I think this is totally unacceptable.

“I find it in no way to be accepted and maybe this being released to the public will help raise questions.”