A question mark hangs over the future of a vital role established to tackle modern slavery in Cumbria.

Sandra Radcliffe, modern slavery and human trafficking co-ordinator, told a meeting of the county council’s local committee for Carlisle that her position was only funded until November.

An intelligence researcher at police headquarters, she was tasked with looking into looking at issues around the exploitation of vulnerable people after the extent of the national crisis began to emerge.

She said:  “The problem I have is that I’m seconded into the job for two years and the funding is by Safer Cumbria.

“Unless they get extra funding in by November, I go back to doing what I was doing before, so there’s going to be a massive gap and we are absolutely picking up momentum around Cumbria now.”

The county received 170 intelligence reports last year alone, up on 2018’s figures of 113 – though there are fears the scale of the crisis has been underreported.

Victims across Cumbria have been trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced to work or to embark on a life of crime.

The majority of those targeted were young people.

Ms Radcliffe revealed that when she started in the role, she had originally thought that there wouldn’t be much to worry about in Cumbria but soon discovered that the issues were more prevalent than she had realised.

The meeting heard that gangmasters were targeting foodbanks and homeless shelters to look for vulnerable recruits only to withhold payment.

Councillors were also told that victims were often living in terrible conditions, working long hours often for less than the minimum wage and some were not getting enough to eat.

Among the victims those working on fishing trawlers in the Irish Sea and dressed in “substandard clothing”.

Carlisle and Penrith have also reported a rise in street begging, with tell-tale signs of exploitation including beggars who are not interested in food but only in cash.

Another issue is gangs shoplifting to order for markets in Eastern Europe where razors and disposable nappies are among the sought-after items.

It was also revealed that many gangmasters recruit children to steal because they are less likely to be taken to the police.

Meanwhile, a crime known as cuckooing sees criminals taking over the homes of vulnerable people, often to sell drugs from the premises.

The police are also investigating several pop-up brothels in the county, with hotel staff among those reporting girls working in rooms on their premises.

One of the main challenges in Cumbria is finding safe accommodation for victims of criminal gangs and exploitation.

Examples of forced criminality common in the UK include cannabis cultivation, drug dealing, benefit fraud, theft, begging, and the selling of counterfeit goods.

However, victims are often afraid to go to the authorities for fear that they will end up in trouble or even in prison.

Ms Racliffe also told the meeting that she did not think it was possible to put a total stop to exploitation.

“How do we stamp it out? I don’t think we can because for every time we work something out, someone will come along and work out another way for exploiting people.

“What we are trying to do is create awareness, so more people aware spot the signs."

And those with concerns are urged to get in touch with the police on 101 or by completing the online report form, but if it is an emergency they should dial 999.

Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, or to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.