Officers visited hotels in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle
16:49, 15 Jan 2026
Police have gone undercover to help catch child sex offenders using North Staffordshire hotels. Plain-clothed officers were joined by volunteer children as they tried to check-in at hotels in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle.
Dubbed Operation Makesafe, Staffordshire Police carried out ‘test purchases’ of hotel rooms yesterday (January 14) to ensure hotels were following procedures. Among the hotels visited included the Holiday Inn at Trentham Lakes and the Holiday Inn in Clayton where staff both refused to take bookings.
However, those hotels where staff didn’t raise any concerns were offered feedback, training and resources to improve their awareness and response to incidents where child sexual exploitation could be involved. If hotels fail to improve or significant safeguarding risks are identified, further action could be taken including licensing interventions.
Detective Sergeant Jon Tench. of Staffordshire Police, said: “Everyone has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children. Operation Makesafe is about working together with the hospitality sector to ensure staff are equipped to spot the signs and act quickly to safeguard those at risk.
“I want to commend the Holiday Inn, Clayton, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where staff refused a booking and demonstrated awareness of Operation Makesafe.
“The Holiday Inn, Trentham Lakes also had an excellent response, with reception staff preparing to contact police to report concerns around CSE.
"Through Operation Makesafe, our officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have trained hotel employees to identify any vulnerable person who may be at risk of CSE, or child exploitation (CE) at their premises."
Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call 101, speak in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency call 999.