Police in Chester carry out operation to educate hotel staff on child exploitation red flags

On Wednesday 30th September officers from the Western Protecting Vulnerable People and Exploitation (PVPE) team carried out Operation Makesafe visits to hotels across Chester city centre.

The exercise involved two teams of officers accompanied by two female volunteers aged 14 and 15. The scenario aimed to see how hotel staff would respond to a potential child exploitation concern.

As part of the role play, a man attempted to book a double room while accompanied by one of the girls. Officers assessed whether hotel staff would recognise and challenge the man. The man and the 14-year-old girl were provided with bottles of alcohol as props and, if questioned by staff, were instructed to state that they were in a relationship.

A number of hotels were visited during the operation. After the scenario was played out, officers attended to give advice to staff which included guidance on recognising the indicators of child exploitation, understanding grooming behaviours, and identifying circumstances where adults may be seeking to meet children they have exploited.

DI Sean Lonergan said:

“The aim of the exercise is to educate hotel staff though real-life scenarios and then give them the advice they need to feel confident in dealing with a challenging and sensitive situation.

“While the majority of hotels either questioned the man or asked for suitable identification we did highlight some points to staff to help them if a similar scenario should ever happen.

“The bottom line is to protect children from sexual exploitation and we can do this by working together with businesses and local authorities, by educating staff, and giving them the tools to play their part in safeguarding children.

“Operation Makesafe is at the heart of a national effort to protect children and young people from predators.”

For more information on Operation Makesafe go to:

Operation Makesafe | Cheshire Constabulary