Manchester hotels have become the frontline in protecting children from sexual exploitation after police training empowered staff to spot danger signs and make life-saving interventions.

Greater Manchester Police has emerged as a national leader in Operation Makesafe, a countrywide initiative transforming the hospitality sector into an active shield against child abuse. The force’s bespoke training sessions, now running across all eleven Greater Manchester districts, teach hotel employees to recognize exploitation indicators and take immediate action.

The program’s impact became clear through two recent city centre incidents. At one hotel, an employee’s suspicions were raised when an older man attempted to check in with a young girl who appeared distressed. Following his Operation Makesafe training, the staff member asked probing questions before calling police, leading to the girl’s protection and a crucial arrest. Days later, workers at another major hotel grew concerned about an underage girl who had checked in with an older man. Their prompt emergency call brought officers to the scene within minutes, safeguarding the vulnerable teenager and enabling action against the alleged offender.

Chief Superintendent David Meeney, who presented Manchester’s success at a Birmingham launch event before government leaders and national police chiefs, emphasized the program’s life-saving potential. “To date, we’ve been able to make significant steps to protect young people in Manchester as a direct result of these training sessions,” he said. “Their support is crucial.”

Cllr Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, reinforced the collective responsibility: “Safeguarding children is a priority for the council and its partners and we do that most effectively when the public, businesses and public services work together.”

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