Leicestershire Police and its neighbouring forces have urged people to help them combat human trafficking and slavery.
The five East Midlands forces spoke out ahead of National Anti-Slavery Day, which takes place on Saturday.
Lincolnshire Deputy Chief Constable Heather Roach said: "Slavery and human trafficking can take many forms, ranging from the sexual exploitation of adults and children to forced labour and domestic servitude.
"It is also often misunderstood. The terrible truth is that it is far more widespread in the UK and other developed nations than many of us realise.
"Along with other public and private sector organisations, police forces have an important role to play in tackling these crimes.
"Where we have evidence that someone is being trafficked or exploited by another person or group, we will take action to safeguard that person and to try and prevent them from being a victim again.
"But we need to the public to be aware of the issue and to look for the signs that suggest that someone they know of or may have seen is a victim of trafficking or slavery.
Police urged people to look out for "tell-tale signs" of victims.
Deputy Chief Constable Roach added: "They could appear fearful or afraid, unwilling to talk and may even have visible injuries that may be the result of an assault or restraint.
"The important point is, however, that if anyone has any concerns that someone else is being exploited they know where to turn to to pass on that information."
Information is available at:
www.antislaveryday.com
www.modernslavery.co.uk
The Modern Slavery Helpline is on 0800 0121 700
