Fourteen businesses were subject to spot-checks across Carlisle in a multi-agency operation to target organised immigration crime on the high street.
Nine vehicles – three e-bikes and six cars - were also pulled over and checked as part of the latest move to disrupt any attempts to carry out this type of criminality.
The operation, spanning two days, was carried out by police, Immigration officials, Trading Standards and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
They were acting in a joint move because organised immigration crime has been recognised as a high priority nationally.
It can involve the illegal entry or exit of people to-and-from the UK. Those staying in the UK illegally may be exploited themselves.
Policing nationally is intent on tackling the gangs behind these crimes by disrupting their activity.
Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop said: “Organised immigration crime is a complex and evolving challenge to policing across the UK.
“Policing is intent on working with partner and other law enforcement agencies to tackle the gangs behind these crimes by various methods.
“Among the tactics available to us are operations such as this, where we have gone out to disrupt any illegal activity and send a message to those involved.”
The checks were carried out in different areas of the city, with visits made to businesses including barber shops, convenience stores and takeaways, with delivery drivers among those stopped.
Action taken included two arrests on suspicion of drug dealing, with both suspects bailed. There was also one arrest on suspicion of illegal entry to the country and illegal working, with the suspect bailed.
DCI Yallop added: “These operations are held to gather intelligence and disrupt illegal working. Our aim is to identify individuals who are staying in the UK illegally on both an individual and organised level and take action to remove them from the UK and address any vulnerability and exploitation.
“A number of these operations have now been conducted in Cumbria and the vast majority of people we have encountered have been found to have the legal right to work in the UK. Where this is not found to be the case, arrests have been made.
“As always with any crime, we need the public to be our eyes and ears and let us know if they are aware of anything suspicious.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I’m pleased to see Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and partners working together to tackling organised immigration crime.
“The victims of organised immigration crime are incredibly vulnerable, looking for a better future – that hope is taken advantage of by these criminals.
“I’d urge everyone to learn the signs of organised immigration crime and to report any suspicious activity to the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Spotting the signs of potential organised immigration crime victims:
- No access to ID documents.
- Being paid less than the minimum wage.
- Transported to and from work in vans, often in groups.
- Being picked up and dropped off to work at unusual times.
- Working very long hours.
- Poor accommodation or overcrowding.
- No formal contract of employment.
- Inadequate work equipment.
- Often accompanied or chaperoned.
- Being spoken for.
- May not know their own address.
- Poor language skills.
How to report:
- Reporting can help protect people and catch those responsible.
- If you see something that doesn’t look right, if you are worried about someone, or something looks suspicious, please report to police.
- In an emergency, please call 999 and in non-emergency situations, call 101.
- You can also report via the Home Office endorsed charity Stop the Traffick