We must work together to spot the signs of hotel-based Child Sexual Exploitation 

We all have a part to play in protecting children and preventing harm 

Deputy Chief Constable Becky Riggs, the national lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation says we know that hotels are locations at risk of being used by offenders to enable their criminality, and thanks industry partners who are working closely with police forces across England and Wales to protect children and young people by detecting and preventing child sexual exploitation, through the implementation of Makesafe.

Makesafe provides a significant opportunity to prevent these abhorrent crimes. 

The work, being overseen by the CSE Taskforce and backed by the Home Office, highlights the issue of hotels being used as locations to abuse and exploit children, raise awareness of the positive work being undertaken to prevent this and aims to help guests understand the purpose of interventions carried out by hotel staff to safeguard children and young people.

It is vital that members of the public who stay in hotels across England and Wales play their part to support hotel staff when questions are asked at check-in or during their stay. 

Phil Ashford, National Child Sexual Exploitation Co-ordinator for the CSE Taskforce explains: “As a Dad to two young children I understand why it may be uncomfortable for parents when they are asked about the purpose of their visit to a hotel, or to provide extra information during check in. However, I know I will do anything in my power to contribute to protecting vulnerable children and young people, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in situations that are unimaginable to most people.”

Deputy Chief Constable Becky Riggs, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation said: “ 

“If you are a parent, carer or trusted adult of a child or young person please do watch this short animation which will give you more information about what Makesafe is, and how you can support this incredibly important scheme. We need you to support frontline hotel staff who are trained to be professionally curious and spot the signs of potential child sexual exploitation and abuse. 

“Facing the fact that this criminality exists in our communities is uncomfortable, but we much accept that it does, and that we all have a part to play in doing the right thing. Answering a couple of extra questions as part of a hotel stay may feel intrusive but they will always be asked for the right reasons. The impact of this small intervention could save a child from harm and give police officers vital information to pursue offenders and prevent further offending.”