Lubbock Police Target Human Trafficking in Six Successful Operations

In January, Lubbock police worked with other agencies to stop six cases of human trafficking. This shows that the fight against abuse is still going on. Four new cases were found due to the operations, which shows how important it is for the public and parents to be careful.

There are many kinds of human trafficking. Belinda House, who works for the Lubbock Police Department's Crime Suppression and Vice Units, said that trafficking can happen in many places, such as massage parlors, online ads, and prostitutes on the street.

"They could be from a massage parlor or an ad on a site known for prostitution." "We also have people who walk the streets," House said.

Spencer Hilliard, who is also in the unit, told parents to keep an eye on what their kids are doing on social media because traffickers often take advantage of weak kids.

"These guys work for a living," Hilliard said. "They use a variety of methods to get new members and target kids who are emotionally weak." Parents need to keep an eye on what their kids do online.

Traffickers often pretend to be caregivers or love partners before taking advantage of their victims over time.

House said, "The pimp will show the girls love, buy them things, and tell them life will be better with them." "Many victims run away from home thinking they'll find a better life somewhere else, but the truth is much worse."

For police, every action is worth it if they can save just one person. House said, "If we can save one woman and get her back on track, it's worth it." "No little girl wakes up wanting this life."

Alert authorities. Call the National Human Selling Hotline immediately if you think someone is selling people. Alert and careful people can save lives.

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