POLICE officers in West Dunbartonshire were yesterday involved in a major initiative aimed at tackling human trafficking.

The Reporter can reveal that additional officers from across Police Scotland were also drafted in to assist local cops during the exercise.

The initiative follows on from an exclusive story The Reporter published in January, when we told how a teenage boy was found in Dumbarton after escaping from human traffickers.

At a meeting of West Dunbartonshire Council’s community planning management board, Chief Superintendent Grant Manders said a 16-year-old Vietnamese boy had been found “cowering in the bushes” on a footpath near to Overtoun House.

A member of the public made the discovery and quickly alerted police.

The youngster was treated for a minor leg injury and taken into the care of West Dunbartonshire Council’s social work department.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Human Trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings, both adults and children, for the purpose of commercial exploitation.

"Victims of human trafficking are often the most vulnerable members of a community however, there is no such thing as a typical victim."

Yesterday's operation, which was part of a UK-wide initiative, also consisted of raising the awareness of human trafficking crimes, to people and businesses.

A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Human Trafficking exists in communities across Scotland and also can involve people who are resident legally in the country.

"The industry of trafficking people has become so sophisticated that it often goes unnoticed and assistance from the public is crucial to identify potential signs of Human Trafficking within your community and reporting any concerns to the police."

You do not have to report concerns to the police - you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.