POLICE are stepping up efforts to protect vulnerable children across Teignbridge this summer by working closely with hotels, guest houses and campsites to raise awareness of child exploitation during the busy holiday season.

As thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Devon and Cornwall over the coming months, officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are visiting hospitality venues across Teignbridge, including Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Exminster, Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey and Ashburton, as part of Operation Makesafe.

The national initiative aims to equip hospitality staff with the knowledge and confidence to spot the warning signs that a child or young person may be at risk of exploitation.

Police say hotels and other accommodation providers can play a crucial role in safeguarding children, as staff are often among the first people outside a young person's family to notice suspicious behaviour or unusual circumstances.

PC Paul Smart, from the South Devon Child Centred Policing Team (CCPT), said: ‘Hospitality venues are common places where children are groomed, exploited, or moved around.

‘Staff are often the first adults outside the home to notice when something isn’t right.

‘We speak to hotel staff about spotting warning signs and give advice on what they can do to help keep youngsters safe, such as checking ID.

‘This can be incorporated into staff training.

‘Police want to educate staff and collaborate with them; we are not looking to embarrass anyone’.

Among the warning signs highlighted by officers are adults booking accommodation for young people who have no luggage or identification, and guests seeking to pay cash while refusing to leave bank details.

PC Smart added: ‘Staff who work in the hospitality trade are in a powerful position to spot early signs and protect children.

‘Exploitation thrives on silence and missed opportunities, so we urge anyone with concerns to report them – you don’t need proof’.

Child exploitation occurs when a young person is manipulated, coerced or forced into activities that benefit someone else.

This can take many forms, including criminal, sexual, financial and online exploitation, as well as trafficking.

Alongside Teignbridge, police will also be carrying out Operation Makesafe visits in Torbay and the South Hams.

Officers from neighbourhood policing teams will work alongside Police Cadets to conduct unannounced visits to hospitality venues and provide guidance to staff.

The campaign forms part of wider efforts by Devon and Cornwall Police to improve awareness of child exploitation and encourage early intervention when concerns arise.

Hospitality workers who believe something may be wrong are encouraged to contact police on 101 or through the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

The initiative also coincides with Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, running from June 15 to 19, which highlights the work of neighbourhood officers, police community support officers and volunteers in keeping communities safe.