Hotels assessed for spotting child exploitation

Seven hotels in Warwickshire have been tested by undercover police to assess how they responded to signs of child exploitation.

A Warwickshire Police cadet posed as a vulnerable child with plain-clothed police posing as the suspect adult at each of the hotels on Wednesday.

The pair showed "clear indicators of exploitation" while trying to book a room, with the officer paying in cash, telling the child to turn off their phone and carrying alcohol.

The force said it was pleased with the results, with three hotels contacting police and two challenging the team and refusing the booking. The remaining two will be given training.

Det Sgt Rich Morgan from the trafficking and exploitation team said: "It's encouraging that many hotels recognised the signs and took action.

"Unfortunately, a couple did not, and we will be providing them with training from Barnardo's to help them improve.

"Child exploitation is a reality in Warwickshire, and we all have a role to play in combating it."

The force said the county's central location meant it was a "prime target" for moving exploited children and its testing of hotels would continue.

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