Child sexual exploitation

There are of signs of possible child sexual exploitation that workers at hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation can look for, during the day and at night.

Look out for young guests – both girls and boys – under the age of 18, who:

• are taken into a hotel room by one or more adults who do not seem to be family members
• are staying in a hotel room which is visited or requested by a number of additional adults
• get a taxi to a hotel or other venue to meet adults who do not seem to be family members
• stay out late with older adults who do not seem to be family members
• are bought alcoholic drinks by adults although the young person is already intoxicated
• are in the company of adults who are suspected of being involved in adult prostitution
• are being bought food or drinks by an older adult whom they seem to see as a boyfriend or girlfriend
• seem to be involved in sexual activity with one or more adults who is significantly older
• seem to be involved in sexual activity even though you know or suspect they are under 16 years-old

Look out for adult guests who:

• try to hide the fact that they are with a young person or seem secretive
• are reluctant to use a credit card and prefer to pay cash
• ask for an isolated room
• don't want their room cleaned or visited
• check in under a different name to the booking
• walk in or book at the last minute
• enter and leave regularly at unusual times
• arrive and ask for a room number but don't know the name of the person staying there
• have no luggage or form of identification

In a room where under 18s are staying, look out for:

• a pre-paid bar tab
• numerous adults and young people coming and going
• use of porn channels
• lots of condoms and condom wrappers
• drug paraphernalia – for example, syringes, wraps, pipes, spoons, plastic bags – and evidence of excessive alcohol consumption

What to do

Make a note of your information and call the police on 101 – or 999 if you believe the young person could be in immediate danger. Say you are concerned about possible child sexual exploitation.

Don't hesitate – your information can help, no matter small it may seem.

You should also:

• raise your concerns immediately with your manager or other senior staff, who may have procedures for child protection concerns
• let young people know how to get help – for example, by putting up information about children's helplines or local services
• tell the police and your local council about any general concerns in relation to child sexual exploitation