Breakout
'Breakout' follows the extensive search for eight men who escaped from an immigration removal centre in April 2023.
Thirteen people broke through the perimeter fence during a disorder at the centre, though five were quickly detained by officers.
Bedfordshire Police and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) subsequently led a nationwide manhunt, coordinating with other forces across the country, to track down the remaining escapees.
This episode shines a spotlight on organised crime and exploitation, as well as offering a behind-the-scenes look at the effort and challenges involved in running an operation of this scale.
Organised crime groups (OCGs)
The episode highlights the impact and influence of organised crime groups (OCGs).
OCGs are structured networks of people operating at local, national and even international levels. They engage in a wide range of criminality, from the illegal drugs trade to human trafficking and modern slavery.
Serious and organised crime often remains hidden or underreported, while still posing a significant threat to the safety of our communities.
It also sees the exploitation of many vulnerable individuals, with victims forced, coerced or manipulated into participating in or helping to fund criminal activities.
We have dedicated teams focused on targeting the criminals and OCGs that cause serious harm. But we still rely on our communities to report concerns and share information with us, helping us to piece together a full picture of organised crime and exploitation taking place in our county.
Spot the signs
Organised crime is the driver for much of the violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour which damages our communities in Bedfordshire. If we stop organised crime, we would all be a lot safer.
Spot the signs
- Wealth and expensive possessions beyond what someone can afford
- Multiple mobile phones or specialist 'encrypted' phones which look similar but slightly different to normal handsets
- Large amounts of cash
- Luxury items such as jewellery and clothes which can be easily paid for using cash
- Hidden weapons at their home
- Business or financial services being used to hide or launder money
Vulnerable adults such as those with drink or drug addiction and poor mental health are targeted by criminal gangs to commit crime. This can include begging, shoplifting or benefit fraud.
Signs to spot
- Won't talk to anyone
- Living in poor conditions with many other people
- Mental Health issues and self harm
- Signs of injury and abuse
- Fear and mistrust of people like doctors and the police
- Can't explain where their money comes from
- No identification documents
People can be trafficked into forced labour in a variety of typically low paid jobs. This includes manual labour on farms and construction sites, in factories or at nail bars, restaurants and car washes.
Signs to spot
- No or limited access to wages
- Relies on employer for transport and accommodation
- Paying for tools, food and accommodation via wage deductions
- Forced to live in a certain place
- Poor or cramped living conditions
- Long hours or working seven days a week
- Lack of documentation by their employer
Bedfordshire Against Violence and Exploitation (BAVEX)
Bedfordshire Against Violence & Exploitation (BAVEX) is a countywide campaign raising awareness of all forms of exploitation linked to organised crime.
To learn more about the impact of organised crime, the signs that someone is being exploited, and support services you can turn to if you need help, visit BAVEX:
Report it
We have the best chance of effectively tackling exploitation and organised crime with the help of our communities.
If you have information or concerns, please report them to us online or by calling 101 at any time.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the Crimestoppers website.
If you suspect someone may be a victim of trafficking, please tell someone. You will always be taken seriously and protection and support is available. To report a suspicion or get advice you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700.
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