Child exploitation operation results 'haunting'

Police cadets worked with officers to conduct a test purchase at hotels

Police have described the results of an operation to target child exploitation in Plymouth as "haunting".

On 30 October, officers from Devon and Cornwall Police's city centre neighbourhood team conducted a day of action around the exploitation of children.

Police cadets worked with officers to conduct test purchases at hotels, in which an attempt was made to book a double bedroom for one night, to be paid for with cash, no ID was provided, and neither officer or cadet carried any luggage, the force said.

Of the 12 hotels tested as part of Operation Makesafe, only two challenged officers about the relationship between them and the cadet, it added.

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."

While the operation was ongoing, other officers and cadets also engaged with business and taxi drivers to offer education on how to spot the signs of exploitation, officers added.