Police offer free child sexual exploitation training to hotel staff

West Mercia Police is offering free training to staff who work in hotels across Shopshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire to help them spot the signs of child sexual exploitation.

Led by specialist officers, the sessions aim to help staff understand what child sexual exploitation is, how to spot the signs, and what they can do if they have any concerns.

The first online session is scheduled for 10am on Tuesday 29 April and can be booked here- Tackling Child Exploitation in Hotels Tickets, Tue 29 Apr 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite.

The training is part of Operation Makesafe; a national programme which aims to help prevent child sexual exploitation through educating businesses such as hotels, pubs and taxi companies on the warning signs they can look out for and what to do if they spot them.

Detective Chief Inspector Ed Slough, force lead for vulnerability and safeguarding, said: “We know that child exploitation, in particular sexual exploitation, can often take place in hotels. Operation Makesafe is a really important part of our prevention strategy as we know that those working in hotels are in a prime position to spot the early signs of exploitation and flag them to us.

“The training we’re offering as part of Operation Makesafe is invaluable in protecting young people. Staff will be trained to spot the signs that a young person might be being exploited, and given guidance on the sort of questions to ask to safely, and discreetly gain further information which can then be passed to police allowing them to respond immediately to any calls for concern.

“Training is just part of the work we’re doing as part of Operation Makesafe. We also carry out covert ‘mystery shopper’ visits to hotels to see how staff respond to scenarios involving young people who could be at risk of exploitation. These visits are really important as they help us to understand where there are gaps in the knowledge and training of hotel staff so that we can address these to ensure young people are kept as safe as possible.

“We will also soon be providing hotels and business with posters and other materials to promote Operation Makesafe to staff and guests.”

The training offered by West Mercia Police extends beyond hotels, with exploitation and vulnerability training workshops are available to anyone living or working within the force area, and cover various aspects of vulnerability and how to spot the signs and symptoms of exploitation. Further information on dates and how to book is available on our website- Exploitation and vulnerability training | West Mercia Police.

Anyone who is worried that a child may be involved in child exploitation should report their concerns to police.

Alternatively, if you have information but don’t feel comfortable speaking to police, you can speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers. It is 100% anonymous, they never ask your name, and they cannot trace your call or IP address. You can contact them online or by calling 0800 555 111.