Home / Crime and Justice / Hotels Fail Child Safety Test Undercover
Hotels Fail Child Safety Test Undercover
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Four hotel chains received additional training after failing child exploitation tests.
- Police used child volunteers in undercover visits to check hotel vigilance.
- Operation Makesafe aims to educate businesses to prevent child exploitation.
Undercover police operations have revealed significant failings in child exploitation awareness among four hotel chains in Shrewsbury. Officers, posing as guests with child volunteers, found that hotel staff did not identify the potential dangers, prompting the need for additional training. This lack of vigilance underscores the critical role hotels can play in safeguarding vulnerable youth.
Detective Sergeant Jon Statham emphasized the importance of hotel staff acting as "eyes and ears" for law enforcement, given that offenders often use hotels for exploitation due to their privacy. The force committed to continued collaboration with the hospitality industry to enhance training and preventative measures.
The inspections were conducted as part of Operation Makesafe, a national program designed to educate businesses, including hotels, pubs, and taxi companies, on recognizing and reporting signs of child sexual exploitation. The goal is to create a network of informed businesses actively contributing to child safety efforts.
