Posted:
Police are aware of social media posts that reference an attempted abduction related to human trafficking that is alleged to have occurred last week at a local shopping mall. At this time, we have not received a report in relation to any such incident. We are looking into the matter and ask anyone with information to contact police.
We would encourage anyone who has been a victim of human trafficking to reach out to police. The Integrated Human Trafficking Team wants victims of human trafficking to know that police are here to help. Our priority is the safety of victims. Members of the Human Trafficking Team will work with community partners to support victims, address their specific needs and get them to safety. Victims will be treated with dignity and respect and their safety will remain our primary goal. We want to assure victims that the decision to participate in the investigation is theirs and we will respect their wishes.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, reach out for support. Below is information related to making police reports or reaching out for supports:
- 911 - if safety is of immediate concern.
- 902-490-5020 to file a report and have an officer follow up with you.
- 902-449-2425 to contact the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Team, 24/7.
- 902-490-5142 to contact the Integrated Human Trafficking Team. Please note that this line is not monitored 24/7.
- Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.
While we take every report pertaining to public safety very seriously, we would also like to remind the public that circulating false information could lead to criminal charges. In any instance someone becomes aware of a public safety threat, it is critical to report it to the police as appropriate as detailed above.