I wanted to tell you about an important order that we have been able to secure against a Scarborough man in the past week. 

Robert Chinchen (36) has been given an interim Slavery Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) by Scarborough Magistrates. 

He is currently in prison for an unrelated matter serving a 14-week sentence.  

We made the application for this order as Robert uses tactics of intimidation, coercion and manipulation, which have left his victims living in constant fear from which they are unable to escape. 

Without the imposition of the STRO, Robert would persist in his exploitative behaviour, putting more vulnerable individuals in danger.  

We can consider the use of a STRO in cases where an individual has not been convicted of a slavery or human trafficking offence but suspected of posing a significant risk of harm. 

The Police investigation gathered substantial evidence putting Robert in a role in exploiting multiple victims and other vulnerable individuals within the local community. The evidence was provided on behalf of many victims by partner agencies such as Horizons Drug and Alcohol Services, Social Services, IDAS and North Yorkshire Council, due to the fear the victims have because of Robert’s criminal exploitation. 

Robert now has conditions that he cannot enter an exclusion zone in the Scarborough area and several properties around the town.

He isn’t allowed to be in possession of more than one mobile phone or sim card. 

He isn’t allowed to use or threaten violence, intimidation, coercion or harassment against any person for the purpose of gaining access to accommodation or controlling another person’s behaviour. 

The magistrates have given us an interim order ahead of a full case hearing on 31st October 2025. Breaching this order can result in imprisonment for up to five years. 

This is the first order of its kind in North Yorkshire, however, should we feel the necessity to apply for another on other suspects of trafficking, we will do. We are determined to use all available powers to safeguard our community.