Arrests made in scrapyard operation targeting organised immigration crime

Two men were arrested and illegal workers were identified at a scrapyard in Grantham in an operation targeting suspected organised immigration crime.

On Tuesday, 30 June officers from Lincolnshire Police attended a business premises in Gorse Lane as part of multi-agency enforcement, co-ordinated by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Disruption Team.

Police were joined by partners from the Home Office, HMRC, Trading Standards, Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive and South Kesteven District Council to disrupt criminal activity and associated offences.

They found poor living conditions in caravans and a bungalow. Two men were identified as illegally working at the site, one of whom was illegally present in the UK.

Officers also seized weapons including a sword and air rifle, as well as ammunition rounds and cannabis plants.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and was released on conditional bail.

A 34-year-old man was also cautioned after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of a class B drug and possession of an offensive weapon.

Action was also taken to disconnect the site’s power supply after dangerous conditions were identified.

Mark Taylor, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: "This was a very successful operation and I’d like to thank Lincolnshire Police and partners who attended for their efforts.

"By using a multi-agency approach we not only safeguard victims and bring offenders to justice, but also tackle offences often associated with organised immigration crime.

"Here we found immigration offences, illegal working and sub-standard living conditions, with exposed live electrical cabling which demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety and welfare of the men working here.

"Working alongside partners, we will continue to target organised crime networks and those exploiting vulnerable individuals trafficked through our borders."

Detective Inspector Paul Sands, from Lincolnshire Police’s Force Intelligence Bureau, said: "This joint partnership working is paramount in keeping people safe from harm, shown by some of the conditions and weapons we have found at this visit. 

"I am grateful for partnership support and believe we have now prevented a potentially more significant impact to the people working found there. 

"This is always our top priority and as one team we will be relentless in pursuing those who flout the law in any respect, especially in organised immigration crime. This should serve as a stark warning to anyone involved in this behaviour to stop it or face the consequences."

We are encouraging people to be aware of signs that someone may be being exploited. These can include:

• Not having access to identification documents.
• Being accompanied or spoken for by others.
• Living in overcrowded accommodation.
• Working very long hours.
• Being paid little or no money.
• Showing signs of physical or psychological abuse.
• Not knowing their own address

If you are concerned that someone may be a victim of exploitation, modern slavery or organised immigration crime, report it by calling 101 or call 999 in an emergency.