Totnes Police have arrested two people for immigration offences.

The arrests followed enquiries conducted in partnership with Immigration Enforcement,

Appropriate action has been taken by the relevant authorities, and information has also been shared with partner agencies, including Trading Standards.

Totnes Police say they take all reports of suspected illegal working, labour exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery seriously.

Illegal migration and illegal working can place vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation and may undermine legitimate businesses that comply with employment, taxation and regulatory requirements.

A spokesperson said: “We recognise that illegal migration is a matter of legitimate public concern.

“Where offences are identified, we will work with our partners to investigate proportionately and take appropriate enforcement action.

“Equally, we remain committed to identifying and safeguarding those who may be victims of exploitation, coercion or modern slavery.”

Local residents provided the information leading to the arrests.

Reports from the community often provide the first indication that a vulnerable person may be at risk or that criminal offences are taking place.

Signs of labour exploitation can include: individuals working in poor or unsafe conditions, excessively long working hours,

workers appearing controlled by others, poor living conditions linked to employment and individuals who appear fearful, withdrawn or unable to speak fluently/freely.

They would encourage anyone with concerns about exploitation, modern slavery, illegal working or other criminal activity to report information to Devon & Cornwall Police.

There is no single official total for all illegal immigrants caught in Devon, as authorities record apprehensions through individual police operations and specific local incidents rather than a running cumulative countywide total.

2026 Police Crackdown: Devon & Cornwall Police reported that four people who were in the UK illegally were deported following Operation Mille in April of this year.

Back in 2023 eight men were arrested after a small boat allegedly brought a group from France which came ashore at Mothecombe Beach.