Ten Plymouth hotels allowed a child to check in with a police officer posing as a decoy abuser during an undercover police operation to test how businesses respond to potential child exploitation.
Devon and Cornwall Police ran Operation Makesafe across the city on Halloween’s eve during the half term break, and the findings have sparked serious safeguarding concerns.
Officers from the City Centre Neighbourhood Team, supported by the Neighbourhood Support Team and police cadets, carried out the operation to see if hotel staff would challenge suspicious behaviour or report it to police.
In the sting, a plain clothes police officer and a cadet posed as an adult and teenager and attempted to book 12 hotel rooms for one night with a double bed. They offered to pay cash, carried no luggage, provided no ID and gave no explanation for their relationship.
Despite the obvious warning signs, only two hotels questioned the pair or refused the booking. Ten hotels went ahead without challenge, a result police described as haunting’.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Mike Smith said:
“The aim was to see if the staff at each of these hotels recognised these signs as concerning, and if staff challenged the relationship of the pair and contacted the Police via 999.
“Unfortunately, the results were haunting.
“Of the 12 hotels tested, only two challenged our officers about the relationship between them and the cadet, refusing to book the room.
“We won’t name these hotels as our plan is to work with them to improve… to educate, not embarrass.
“Whilst this was happening, uniformed officers and cadets engaged with taxi drivers and businesses in the city centre offering education on how to spot the signs of exploitation.
“Over the next few days, we’ll post about what signs to look out for to keep your loved ones safe. We’ll also detail the upcoming work we’re doing to protect our children and young people.”
While undercover officers carried out the tests, uniformed teams and police cadets spoke with shoppers, taxi drivers and local businesses around Drake Circus and the Piazza to raise awareness about grooming and exploitation.
Police are urging anyone who works in hospitality or transport to stay alert for suspicious behaviour, including young companions, cash payments, no identification or unusual room requests.
Officers say more visits are planned to ensure staff know how to report concerns before harm occurs. More information about Operation Makesafe can be found here.
Sign up for free below to get notified with all the latest breaking news from Plymouth Plus.
