A man was arrested in Manchester after police responded to a 999 call. The call reported a 14-year-old girl in a hotel room with an older man, raising serious concerns.
The staff member noticed something was off and called for help. Officers rushed to the scene, and bodycam footage shows them banging on the door, demanding the man to open up.
When they finally got in, they found the man dressed in a black t-shirt. He was taken outside and arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a minor.
This incident highlights a troubling trend. Reports show hundreds of child sexual abuse cases happening in hotels. In 2023 alone, there were 504 recorded offenses, with many involving physical contact and some classified as rape.
Phil Ashford from the National Police Chief’s Council explained that hotels can provide a false sense of security for abusers. Once inside, they think they can get away with it.
To combat this, hotel staff are being trained to spot signs of exploitation. Greater Manchester Police is leading the charge with Operation Makesafe, which aims to protect vulnerable young people.
Thanks to local businesses stepping up, police can better identify potential victims. Chief Superintendent David Meeney praised their efforts, saying it’s crucial for safeguarding children.
The community is coming together to tackle this issue. Cllr Garry Bridges emphasized that everyone has a role in protecting children. By working together, we can make it harder for abusers to operate.
