Op Makesafe - Preventing Child Exploitation
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse.
“It happens when a child or young person is coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity in exchange for things that they may need or want like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they're in a loving and consensual relationship so the sexual activity may appear consensual.” (NSPCC, 2025).
The perpetrators rely on the emotional bond between them and the vulnerable person and they use it to manipulate them to satisfy their own needs and wishes. CSE may happen through physical contact, however it often takes place via digital channels – such as text messages, video calls or social media platforms.
It is important to remember that the children and young people who are subject to exploitation may be forced into sexual activity through violence and intimidation. They may also be used to ‘recruit’ other young children into contact with the perpetrators, facilitating further abuse.
We are aware that some of the perpetrators utilise hotels and similar accommodation for exploitation purposes. In 2023 over 500 reported child sexual abuse offences took place in hotels. Operation Makesafe was created to prevent these incidents by working with local hotels to ensure that all staff can recognise the signs of exploitation, and what actions to take, if exploitation is suspected.
What is Operation Makesafe?
Operation Makesafe is a national project, looking to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation initially within the Hotel & Leisure industry, it has now expanded into care homes and taxis services.
Our aim
The purpose of Operation Makesafe is to empower businesses and organisations to tackle exploitation through increased awareness and training by being able to identify potential victims of child sexual exploitation, and where necessary, alert police officers to intervene to safeguard any at risk children.
What does this involve?
Businesses such as hotels are being introduced to Operation Makesafe, focusing on recognition on the signs of sexual exploitation and education. Encouraging information sharing where they have been directed to call 101, quoting ‘Operation Makesafe’, should they suspect suspicious behaviour or activity on their premises. Our police call handlers have received specialist training to identify calls relating to child exploitation and provide the appropriate advice and police response.
Although it is not the employee’s responsibility to assess whether a child is being exploited, it is their responsibility to report their concerns. Only by working together can take the necessary steps to safeguard the children before they come into harm.
These businesses are also being provided with resources such as campaign posters and a guidance booklet to raise awareness amongst their staff and customers.
Campaign materials
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Operation Makesafe team at [email protected]
Please note this email address is not a reporting mechanism and should only be used for any questions or queries you may have about the operation.
Clues that something is not right
Hotels and B&Bs
- Child or young person accompanied by an adult appears nervous or frightened
- Child or young person under influence of drugs or alcohol
- Child or young person without luggage or ID,
- A number of people visiting the room
- Walk-in bookings or checking in during od hours
- Noise complaints
- Guests arriving and asking for a specific room number, but not knowing the name the room was booked under
- Inappropriate physical contact or communication between the adult and the young person
- ‘Do not disturb’ sign displayed on the room door for excessive period
Taxis
- Young people looking distressed when travelling with adults
- Child or young person traveling alone whilst intoxicated
- Young people being picked up and taken to hotels or unfamiliar locations at odd hours
- Inappropriate physical contact or communication between the adult and young person
- Adults being alcohol for minors
Children care homes
- Child or young person with multiple mobile phone
- Child or young person carrying amounts of cash from suspicious source
- Inappropriate sexual behaviour towards other service users
- Physical signs of abuse
- Alcohol or drug misuse
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Regular missing episodes
- Young people being picked up by taxi’s or unknown persons
If you’re concerned about someone’s welfare and think they may be being exploited, please report it to us online or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.
For advice and further information
More information and advice on CSE and child criminal exploitation.
If you’re concerned about your thoughts or behaviour around children, and feel like you may be at risk of committing a child sex offence, or concerned around the thoughts and behaviour of someone you know, act now to prevent it. .