The battle against modern slavery and human trafficking continues as events are held to raise awareness.

The aim is to help raise awareness to help members of the public spot the signs of someone potentially becoming a victim of serious and organised crime.

Officers from the Hertsmere Community Saftey Partnership and the Hertfordshire Constabulary anti-trafficking team will be hitting the streets to hand out information and answer questions.

These events have been organised after members pledged to help end modern slaver and human trafficking, which has become a human rights issue.

Offers will be on hand in Potters Bar from 11am until 2pm on Thursday, August 17 outside Café Nero, and in Bushey High Street the following day to offer advice on the issue.

They will continue their campaign in Borehamwood on Tuesday 22 August, and will conclude the events in Radlett High Street on Wednesday, 23 August.

The issue is being championed by Hertsmere Borough Council member and creator of the Shiva Foundation Meenal Sachdev.

Cllr Sachdev set up the corporate organisation that encourages businesses to get involved in tackling the problem and educating communities of the issue in 2012.

There are thought to be around 13,000 victims of modern slavery and trafficking in the UK, but it is hard to give precise figures as many of the crimes remain undetected.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Montague, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Operation Tropic, added: “Many people would assume that slavery and trafficking are issues that occur in other parts of the world and not Hertfordshire.

“However these are serious crimes that can and do occur here. Although they are relatively rare, we know many are never reported so it is vital that people are aware of the signs and report any concerns they have.”

People are advised that victims may look malnourished, unkempt or appear withdrawn or frightened especially of authorities and may perceive themselves to be in debt to somebody.

They may not have access to legal documents like their passport or bank account details and may have old or serious untreated injuries.

They may also be unable to answer questions directed at them, or speak for themselves if accompanied by someone.

So far this year 18 UK-related slavery and traffic offences have been recorded in Hertfordshire, based on data collected from the national referral mechanism compared to just seven in the same time in 2016.

For more information about the issue and how to report suspected cases visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/modernslavery.