Officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police joined forces with the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Team in a targeted operation in the Shirley area of Southampton.
The operation, carried out on the evening of 13th March 2025, aimed to identify and protect individuals who may be vulnerable or victims of modern slavery. Officers focused on outreach and safeguarding, working to remove individuals from potentially exploitative environments and relocate them to places of safety.
During the operation, approximately eight delivery riders were stopped and questioned by officers. As a result, three separate immigration offences were identified and are now under active investigation.
Authorities have not released further details about the individuals involved but confirmed that support services will be engaged to assist any victims identified during the course of the operation.
A police spokesperson said: “These joint operations are vital in helping us protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community and to tackle organised immigration crime. We are committed to ensuring people are not exploited or coerced into illegal or unsafe working conditions.”
Investigations remain ongoing, and further enforcement activity is expected as part of a wider effort to combat modern slavery and illegal employment practices across the region.
Anyone with concerns or information regarding modern slavery or illegal working practices is urged to contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
