March 20, 2025

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 CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table in partnership with the Joy Smith Foundation and Violence Prevention Grey Bruce are raising awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and providing resources to help prevent this crime.

Short-term rentals (STR) 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 STRs due to the greater possibility of anonymity. This initiative educates STR owners and operators on how to identify potential trafficking situations and respond appropriately to protect their communities and properties.

Key Warning 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 that 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 STR
• 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 STR owners/operators and the public, Grey and Bruce Counties are working together to create a safer and more informed community.

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

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

 

---

At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.

South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.

Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.