Victims of modern slavery has spiked so far this year, and authorities are working to make people aware as part of a national campaign.

Organisations are working to promote Anti-Slavery Day today and raising awareness of modern slavery over the next four weeks.

Posters, leaflets and social media with specific materials aimed at taxi drivers, and outdoor and mobile advertising across the next four weeks.

There have been 47 victims identified in the county so far this year, compared to 10 in 2015 and 26 in 2016.

Hertfordshire Constabulary launched Operation Tropic specifically to respond to incidents of modern slavery and help victims in the county.

Since 2009, 119 potential victims have been identified in Hertfordshire, although not all people had offences committed against them within the county.

Of these victims, 58 were women, 32 were men, 17 were boys and 12 were girls.

There were 29 people identified at risk of exploitation but were not willing to engage with investigations, however many have been removed from harm as a result of action taken by authorities.

There have been three convictions for human trafficking and modern slavery offences in the county.

The Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership have today launched a public campaign to make the public aware of slavery and human trafficking in Hertfordshire.

The Partnership is made up of 15 local agencies and organisations including the police, Hertfordshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and the Shiva Foundation, a corporate group focused on tackling the issue.

The aim of the campaign is to alert organisations and the public what to look for and encourage people to report any concerns.

Modern slavery includes trafficking people, forced labour and servitude and may affect anyone regardless of their age, gender or ethnicity.

Detective Superintendent Dave Wheatley said: “Our new modern slavery partnership needs one more key partner on board and that is the people of Hertfordshire.

“Trafficking and slavery victims can be forced to work for little or no money or their lives are controlled by others.

“However they may still be living or working in plain sight of the public, so we are appealing to people to look out for the signs and to report any concerns they have.

“Through the public’s help we can stamp out these abusive and inhumane crimes.”

To report any concerns contact the police on 101 or the national helpline on 08000 121 700 or for more information visit www.modernslaveryhelpline.org.