Operation Makesafe

Operation Makesafe has been developed in partnership with local authorities to raise awareness of child exploitation in the business community, such as hotels, licensed premises, taxi companies, and takeaways.

It's focused on making sure that people working in the business sector are aware of the early warning signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and child criminal exploitation (CCS), and - where necessary - alert police officers to intervene to stop any young person coming to harm.

Our aims

The purpose of Operation Makesafe is to empower businesses and organisations to tackle child exploitation through increased awareness and training.

The campaign aims to achieve the following:

• Identify potential victims and ensure an effective safeguarding response.
• To work together with businesses, to upskill staff and protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
• Provide public reassurance and effective preventative measures.
• Enhance public safety and confidence.

What’s involved

Local and national evidence shows that child exploitation can take place in hotels, pubs, cafes and places licensed to sell alcohol. Taxis can also be used to transport young people who are then exploited.

We are working to make sure people employed in these environments can spot the warning signs, and have the confidence to report their concerns by talking to their supervisor and calling 101, quoting Operation Makesafe - or 999 in an emergency.

Warning signs to look out for

For those working in hotels

• Adults booking young people into hotels during odd times of the day or night and with no luggage.
• Guests who appear secretive about their visit or trying to conceal that they are with a young person.
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia or multiple mobile phones being found in a hotel room.
• Adult guests insisting on paying in cash and refusing to leave a credit card imprint.

For those working in the taxi industry

• Adults putting a young person, who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, into a cab.
• Young people being picked up and taken to hotels, particularly at odd times of the day and night.
• Adults who behave unusually in the company of young people.

For those working in pubs, cafés or restaurants

• An adult with a young person whom they are touching or behaving in an intimate way with.
• Adults befriending younger people including buying them food and drinks.
• Adults who come in on their own and always target young people.
• Adults buying alcoholic drinks which you suspect are for someone under 18, or adults coming in with young people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.