Communities across Grey and Bruce counties are joining forces to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and providing resources to help prevent this often unnoticed crime.
In a joint media release from Bruce and Grey counties, the Community Safety and Well Being Planning (CSWBP) Prevention Action Table is working in partnership with the Joy Smith Foundation and Violence Prevention Grey Bruce to highlight warning and inform community members to be on the look-out.
Short-term rental (STR) owners and operators, for example, have a key role to play in preventing human trafficking. Recognizing signs, implementing preventative measures, and reporting suspicious activity are just some of the things they can do to identify potential trafficking situations and respond appropriately.
Traffickers are using short-term rentals with increasing frequency because they offer a greater chance at anonymity.
Key warning signs include:
Frequent use of STRs
Last minute bookings or multiple bookings in the same area
People arriving and departing from STR properties with minimal luggage not appropriate for the length of stay
Individuals that appear to be under the control of another person
Ways to deter traffickers from choosing your STR:
Screen bookings carefully including guest reviews from other STRs
Don't accept last-minute bookings
Install cameras on the outside of your property to record anyone coming and going
Don't allow registered guests to have unregistered visitors on your property
State clearly in your listing that you are committed to preventing human trafficking
For additional resources visit cswbp.brucecounty.on.ca/resources.
