Police have recorded 504 cases of child sexual abuse in UK high street hotel chains in 2023, according to data shared exclusively with BBC News. Of these, 92% (464 cases) involved physical contact with a child, and 40% (203 cases) were classified as rape.
The data, provided by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), reveals that most incidents occurred in budget hotel chains, often located near transport hubs like train stations and motorways. These areas make it easier for perpetrators to meet victims.
While offences in hotels accounted for less than 1% of all recorded child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) cases in England and Wales in 2023, police believe these crimes are significantly underreported, suggesting the real figures may be much higher.
The NPCC has partnered with hotels through Operation Makesafe, a program designed to train hotel staff to recognize signs of child sexual exploitation and report suspicious behavior to the police. Phil Ashford, from the NPCC child sexual exploitation taskforce, emphasized the seriousness of the offences, saying, “We’re talking about some of the most serious contact offending imaginable—the rape and serious sexual abuse of children.”
Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs added that Operation Makesafe highlights the proactive steps hotels are taking to combat this issue. She noted, “The impact of this partnership cannot be overestimated.”
One female survivor of child sexual abuse, who was often taken to hotels by her abuser, told the BBC, “You can put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door, and they can do whatever they want with nobody wondering what’s going on. I can’t even stay in a hotel now without thinking about what happened to me.”
The privacy offered by hotel rooms, especially in budget chains with self-service kiosks instead of manned reception desks, allows offenders to check in unnoticed with young victims, police said.
Operation Makesafe encourages hotel staff to be vigilant for warning signs, such as:
- Guests insisting on paying in cash.
- Reluctance to provide identification.
- Requests for isolated or double rooms.
- Children who look unhappy, nervous, or defer to adults when asked questions.
- Adults who make it clear there are no familial links to the child.
Sergeant Ian Haselden of Greater Manchester Police described operations where officers pose as abusers with children to test hotel staff’s ability to detect suspicious behavior. He emphasized, “If hotels are suspicious, the gold standard response is to call the police. This is an extremely serious crime, and we’d rather they be safe than sorry.”
The data shows that most victims were aged 15 (26%), 16 (18%), or 17 (17%). Almost all perpetrators (92%) were men, with an average age of 28. Victims were predominantly female (84%). Just 4% (21 cases) were group-based offences involving two or more suspects.
Police also noted that while most incidents occurred in budget hotels, CSAE can happen anywhere, including luxury hotels.
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said the industry is committed to tackling child exploitation. “We are working closely with the Home Office and police to support Operation Makesafe. We provide hospitality businesses with police guidance on recognizing the signs of exploitation, what to do if they suspect abuse, and measures hotels can implement to deter such incidents.”
The NPCC and UK Hospitality remain committed to raising awareness and equipping hotels with the tools needed to prevent these crimes, ensuring that children are protected in all hospitality environments.
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