Police target Wiltshire immigration crime

A total of 18 arrests were made and 33 businesses visited across Wiltshire as part of a national operation targeting organised immigration crime.

Wiltshire Police officers worked alongside the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards and HMRC to visit a range of businesses including car washes, restaurants, vape shops, convenience stores and nail salons. 

The activity aimed to disrupt organised immigration crime, identify offenders and safeguard vulnerable people.

During the operation, officers engaged with 262 people, made 18 arrests and submitted 62 intelligence reports.

Officers also seized 1kg of cannabis, 75g of cocaine, 10,000 cigarettes and £46,605 in cash.

Detective Chief Inspector Megan Elkins said: "This was a successful operation with coordinated, multi-agency activity targeting those involved in organised immigration crime and the harm it brings to our communities.

"We know there is significant public concern about this type of offending, which facilitates the illegal movement of people into and out of the UK and enables individuals to remain in the country unlawfully, often in exploitative and vulnerable circumstances.

"These criminal networks are frequently linked to other serious offences, including county lines drug dealing, wider drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud.

"Organised immigration crime is often hidden in plain sight. We would encourage anyone who notices something that doesn't seem right within local businesses or their community, or who has concerns about someone's welfare, to report it so that action can be taken."

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson joined officers during the week of action. He said: "Organised immigration crime causes real harm to both individuals and communities in our towns and rural areas. 

"Those involved often exploit vulnerable people for financial gain, while their activities can be linked to wider criminality including drug supply, fraud and money laundering.

"The results of this operation demonstrate the value of a coordinated approach, with Wiltshire Police and partners working together to disrupt criminal activity, gather intelligence, safeguard those at risk of exploitation and bring offenders to justice. 

"The seizure of drugs, illegal tobacco and significant amounts of cash shows the breadth of criminality often associated with these networks.

"Making Wiltshire safer and protecting vulnerable people are key priorities within my Police and Crime Plan. I welcome the proactive action taken during this period and would encourage anyone who has concerns about potential exploitation or criminal activity in their community to report it. 

"Information from the public can be vital in helping agencies identify victims, disrupt offenders and prevent further harm."

The operation also saw officers target transport networks where activity linked to organised immigration crime was suspected.

In Wiltshire, the Roads Policing Unit carried out a week of activity targeting unsafe vehicles and the use of fraudulent documents by drivers, which is often associated with organised immigration crime. 

Activity took place on key routes including the M4 and A419, with officers working alongside DVSA, Immigration Enforcement, Dorset Commercial Vehicle Unit and Wiltshire Police student officers.

The activity resulted in:
- 13 arrests for immigration offences
- 128 vehicle stops
- 22 Traffic Offence Reports
- 41 Fixed Penalty Notices

Throughout the operation, roads policing officers also used new motion detection equipment which can help identify vehicles being used to unlawfully transport people.

While Wiltshire has not experienced a significant number of incidents involving people being trafficked in lorries, officers are using the technology both as a deterrent and to support proactive operations targeting organised immigration crime.

Last year, the National Crime Agency warned that organised criminal gangs are actively recruiting HGV drivers to smuggle migrants into and out of the UK.

Inspector Neil Duffin, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: "While Wiltshire has not experienced a significant number of clandestine entries involving lorries, we know this type of criminality is increasing internationally.

"We are committed to doing everything we can to disrupt human trafficking, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent this type of exploitation from affecting our communities.

"This new motion detection technology is quick and easy to deploy, helping officers identify hidden occupants inside vehicles. 

"It is highly sensitive and can detect even the slightest sounds or vibrations, providing an effective tool to support our efforts to protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice."

The activity formed part of a nationwide operation by police and Immigration Enforcement, codenamed Operation Lockstream, aimed at disrupting organised immigration crime.

Nationally, officers and Immigration Enforcement teams:

- Made 452 arrests, 66% of which related to immigration offences
- Stopped more than 6,000 vehicles
- Engaged with more than 11,000 people
- Issued more than 900 fines, totalling more than £141,000

They also seized:

- 491 vehicles
- More than 17,000 packs of cigarettes
- 40kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of more than £100,000
- 22 weapons
- 57 mobile phones
- More than £600,000 in cash

Members of the public who see something that doesn't look right, or are concerned about someone's welfare, can report it to Wiltshire Police online or by calling 101. In an emergency, people should always call 999.

Concerns can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via Home Office-endorsed charity Stop The Traffik.