Giant poster in six languages in Wisbech will urge people to report victims of modern day slavery .

Modern Day Slavery, campaign is launched to spot the signs in Fenland (Image: Louis-Paul St-Onge)

The two-week initiative, which starts on Monday (February 13) will involve a large multi-lingual advertising display in Lynn Road, Wisbech as well as lots of activity on social media.

The poster is in six different Eastern European languages - Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Polish.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Tipping, tactical lead for modern slavery, said: 'Modern slavery is a force priority and it's vital that we get the public's help to tackle it.

'We all have a responsibility to protect vulnerable people in our communities. This campaign encourages people to know the signs of modern slavery and report any concerns via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Modern Day Slavery in Fenland campaign to raise awareness (Image: Archant)

'We hope the physical multi-lingual advertising in Wisbech will help to reach more people who may have information, as well as potentially those who are being exploited.'

It is part of ongoing efforts by Cambridgeshire police and the Fenland Community Safety Partnership to encourage everyone to look out for signs of exploitation. Those signs include:

• The person appears malnourished.

• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse.

• Works excessively long and/or unusual hours.

• Is not free to leave or come and go as they wish.

• Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid.

• Has few or no personal possessions.

• Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves - a third party may insist on being present and/or translating.

• Lack of safety or adequate equipment at work.

Councillor David Oliver, chairman of the Fenland Community Safety Partnership (FCSP), said: 'We know that people are still being exploited despite the considerable progress in combating it that has been made through Operation Pheasant over the past few years.

'The more people recognise the signs and report any concerns, the better able we are to take effective action against those responsible.'

Last month (January) the FCSP ran a week-long campaign to highlight the issue.

It visited all four market towns to distribute leaflets and engage with the public and a short film developed by Fenland District Council's community safety team was shown at the Luxe cinema in Wisbech.

The FCSP is also promoting a free online course about labour exploitation in Fenland. Details are available at www.advicechain.co.uk.

For more information on modern slavery and the signs to look out for visit www.cambs.police.uk.

• The text in foreign languages says 'Are you being exploited? Forced to work long hours for very little or no pay? Threatened or intimidated? The police can help you.' on a large poster 1.15m x 1.75m at the petrol station on the Lynn Road roundabout.