Police, labour inspectors and the military police are failing in their task to tackle human trafficking, national rapporteur Conny Rijken has said in a report out on Thursday.

There are many signals of abuse but every service handles them in their own way and, in some cases “fail dismally”, the study carried out by the rapporteur showed.

Signals include homelessness, sexual exploitation or violence and excessive working hours. Perpetrators often prey on vulnerable people who may have psychiatric problems, are in debt, or are underage.

“People who are not directly involved in the detection of human trafficking should also recognise the signals and pass them on,” Rijken said. “Think of cases of theft or drug running. It could be that person is part of a network. Desk staff or policemen on the beat should also be vigilant,” she said.

According to Rijken, labour inspectors investigating cases involving labour migrants are often “too hesitant” to act, and too often concludes that cases are not worth pursuing.

In just 30% of cases the inspectors spoke to a victim, compared to 69% of police officials. The military police interviewed victims in 93% of cases but is “confused about its brief”, with officials at airports immediately transferring cases to police and others starting their own observations.

The rapporteur admitted that lack of staff is hindering the detection of human trafficking but said that broader awareness among police officials would improve things. “It would relieve the pressure and help specialists,” she said.