​Community partners unite to combat human-trafficking across the region

Human-trafficking is a serious crime that often goes unnoticed, but communities in Grey and Bruce counties are taking action.

The Community Safety and Well-Being Planning Crime Prevention Action Table, in partnership with the Joy Smith Foundation and Violence Prevention Grey Bruce, is raising awareness about the dangers of human-trafficking, and providing resources to help prevent this crime.

Short-term rentals owners and operators can play a crucial role in preventing human-trafficking by recognizing signs, implementing preventative measures, and reporting suspicious activity.

There is a growing trend of traffickers using short-term rentals due to the greater possibility of anonymity. This initiative educates owners and operators of these units, on how to identify potential trafficking situations and respond appropriately to protect their communities and properties.

Key waning signs of human-trafficking in short-term rentals:
 

• Frequent use of short-term rentals
• Last-minute bookings and multiple bookings that are in the same area
• People arriving and departing from your property with minimal luggage not appropriate for the length of stay
• Individuals who appear to be under the control of another person

How to deter human-traffickers from choosing your rental:
 

• Screen bookings carefully, including guest reviews from other short-term rentals
• Don’t accept last-minute bookings
• Install cameras on the outside of your property to record those coming and going
• Do not allow guests to have unregistered guests on your property
• State clearly in your listing that you are committed to preventing human-trafficking and other illegal activities

Human-trafficking affects communities across Canada, and awareness is the first step in preventing it. By educating short-term rentals owners/operators and the public, Grey and Bruce counties are working together to create a safer and more informed community.

Thank you to the many community partners for their collaboration and dedication in supporting the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan and this initiative. Together, they are working to build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community.

To access the Short-Term Rental Anti-Human Trafficking resource for your area, visit: Resources - Community Safety and Well-Being Planning.