Worcester based hotels with bars and restaurants are being trained this week to look out for signs of Child Sexual Exploitation, vulnerability and involvement with County Lines drug operations.
Staff at a number of Hotels and B&B premises including the Diglis Hotel and the Whitehouse have all received specialist training from Worcester City Council and West Mercia Police's Safer Neighbourhood Cathedral and Licensing team.
"Although isolated, there have been incidents in Worcester where licensed premises have been used to engage with and exploit young people or criminals from other areas. Pubs, hotels and restaurants can be targeted as bases from which a city's drug supply can be controlled," says PC Joe Brooks from Worcester City's Cathedral Safer Neighbourhood team.
Ann Nicholls from Worcester City Council's Youth Inclusion Team added: "The response from Worcester premises has been excellent. There is a real sense of co-operation and a desire to work together to identify, reduce and prevent this type of crime.
"If this training encourages one venue to call the police and it subsequently protects a vulnerable child or young person, then it is time well spent."
Licenced premises have a legal obligation to assist in the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children. The high number of Worcester premises which have undertaken training demonstrates that they are upholding these licensing objectives.
More information on how to spot the signs of Child Sex Exploitation.
