DETECTIVES urged members of the public to keep their eyes open to signs of suburban brothels, as police arrested six suspected brothel-keepers across West Swindon.

The head of Wiltshire Police’s 22-strong serious organised crime team said the dawn raids were the culmination of a year long investigation into a criminal gang suspected of trafficking women to Swindon from mainland Europe.

Det Insp Mark Wilkinson told the Swindon Advertiser there could be more raids, as specialists went through computers and documents seized from the brothels: “We need to meticulously go through that material. It’s going to be a long process. The hard work starts now.”

Five women were rescued by police and referred to the National Crime Agency’s human trafficking unit. All the women were over-18.

Three men, aged 23, 41 and 50, and three women, aged 22, 26 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, conspiracy to money launder and conspiracy to manage or assist in the management of a brothel used for prostitution.

The investigation is understood to be the first of its kind to be dealt with by Wiltshire Police. “We’ve crossed a new threshold,” said Det Insp Wilkinson, a police officer of 28 years.

Det Supt Jeremy Carter, head of Swindon CID, added: “The main reason for this operation was to identify vulnerable people being exploited in our communities by organised criminals and put a stop to it.

“Whilst Wiltshire remains one of the safest places to live and work in the country, we want to continue to raise awareness that slavery can, and does, happen in our communities and the public play a vital role in helping us stop it.

“Today has been a real team effort. We have worked closely with our partners to not only identify the threats posed to vulnerable people in our communities but also to provide safeguarding for them and bring offenders to justice."

Police asked members of the public’s help in identifying victims of modern slavery.

Det Insp Mark Wilkinson said: “The public can help make it harder for people that want to exploit others by being vigilant. For example, if they see a stream of different men visiting an address at all hours of the day or night it may be an indicator that the address is being used as a brothel.

“They might see workers appear to be distressed, anxious, disorientated, or withdrawn. They could be potential victims of human trafficking or other exploitation.

“These people live on normal streets, where normal people live.”

“Intelligence from members of the public is critical. I would urge the public to be aware of the potential signs of exploitation and use that information to report their concerns either directly to us via 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Information can also be reported anonymously via the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700.