Actors help raise awareness of child exploitation

Hotels and taxi firms in Bradford have been visited by police and social care teams in an effort to raise awareness of the signs of child sexual exploitation.

Police officers and social workers carried out unannounced visits using actors playing an adult man and a teenage girl to see how staff reacted to "walk-in" bookings, as part of Operation Makesafe.

The businesses were observed to see whether they accepted bookings when it became evident the adult and child were not related, with teams following up with advice and training for staff.

Bradford Children and Families Trust said: "Everyone has a role in safeguarding vulnerable young people."

Det Insp Naomi Brown, from the Bradford Children Vulnerable to Exploitation team at West Yorkshire Police, said tackling exploitation remained a "key priority".

"Those working in hotels and private hire firms have a vital role in identifying suspicious behaviour and helping us to protect children," she said.

"We are committed to protecting children and bringing those who commit these types of offences against them to justice."

Ruth Terry, Executive Director of Children's Social Care and Practice at Bradford Children and Families Trust, said staff in hospitality and transport could act as "eyes and ears" for safeguarding teams.

"It is everyone's responsibility to look after vulnerable children in our society, and we'd urge staff to report any suspicious behaviour so we can continue to work together to address the challenges some vulnerable children face," she said.

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