A probe into the scale of modern slavery in Bucks is set to be launched amid the news that there were 150 incident reported to police in a year. 

A county council inquiry will look at how they can help tackle the issue. 

Modern slavery traffickers and slave drivers coerce, deceive and force people into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Research across the county last year by University College's Jill Dando Institute warned there was potential for exploitation of workers in isolated agricultural jobs, remote factories, and in caring for an increasing ageing population.

Researchers identified focal points for the county council to target in the fight against modern slavery - liaising with public transport providers to watch for victims who might be fleeing from slave masters and asking delivery drivers who visit remote locations to look out for tell-tale signs of exploitation. 

Police recorded 150 Bucks victims between February 2016 and March 2017, highlighting that females are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, whereas males are targeted for labour and forced criminalisation.

However, the problem could be bigger than the figures show, the county council fears, and has launched an inquiry to "understand the extent of criminal activity". 

David Carroll, from the county council's transport, environment and communities select committee, said: "Exploitation is clearly happening in our communities, particularly among vulnerable people, and there’s a lot we need to learn about just what is going on and how we can respond.  

"There is much work going on to help those who are being exploited, and to bring perpetrators to justice, and we want to identify what more we as a county council can do to help tackle this horrendous criminal activity, and how we can work with agencies, such as Thames Valley Police, who are already doing good work. 

"It’s important that we raise awareness among residents, who need to know what concerning signs to look for, how to identify what might be going on, and how to report it.

"But it’s very clear to us as a select committee that there’s little point in raising awareness if there is nothing in place to support the victims of exploitation." 

The scope and timing of the inquiry will be set in the next few weeks.