POLICE are asking for help in spotting people who are victims of human trafficking.

A new leaflet campaign will target businesses and the general public to urge them to be on the look-out for indicators that someone has been trafficked.

Types of trafficking include sexual exploitation and people forced into labour.

Possible signs include poor living conditions, fear and anxiety, no access to their earnings and having personal documents removed and held.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Government said they would take action against anyone who was involved in the human trafficking of adults and children.

A Human Trafficking Unit has been set up to target those responsible for exploiting others and a conference will be held in Glasgow later this year to bring together police and other agencies to share ideas on combating the problem.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said that a shared approach was the key to identifying and bringing to justice the traffickers.

He said: "Human trafficking destroys the lives of those who are exploited by criminals and forced into manual labour, sex or domestic servitude.

"The Scottish Government, alongside our partners, committed to do more to tackling this abhorrent crime at the recent Human Trafficking Summit and the launch of this aware-raising initiative is proof that we are making significant inroads.

"There is no doubt that the key to eradicating this crime is partnership working.

"It is what happens on the ground that makes a difference to the individuals involved, be they victims or traffickers themselves.

"That is why this collective approach is so important and influential for work going forward."

The leaflet will be sent out to businesses across Scotland outlining the possible indicators and urging people not to ignore concerns or suspicions.

Earlier this month Mr MacAskill visited Glasgow Airport to see the Border Policing Command in action as it works to stop drug smuggling and human trafficking through the country's airports

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, head of Major Crime and Public Protection, urged people to report concerns as the first step to freeing victims from the control of their traffickers.

He said: "Human beings are not commodities to be bought or sold. Police Scotland will pro-actively target any individual who is believed to be taking advantage of desperate and vulnerable people or willing to trade misery for profit.

"It is crucial that members of the public, who become aware of potential signs of human trafficking, report any concerns to police."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk