Radisson Blu joins police fight against child sexual exploitation

Radisson Blu Hotels and Resorts has become the first major business in Westminster to pledge its support for a police campaign raising awareness of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Operation Makesafe is a joint initiative between the Metropolitan Police and London boroughs, which aims to train staff within hotels, licensed premises and taxi companies, to recognise the signs of CSE.

Radisson Blu Portman hotel took part in the first training session yesterday (12 October) as part of the launch of the campaign across Westminster.

Following the success of the pilot run in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, Operation Makesafe is now being rolled out across all London boroughs.

According to statistics, two million children under the age of 16 across the UK are affected by sexual violence or abuse, with police receiving more than 1,000 CSE referrals of children that were identified as being at risk.

Councillor Danny Chalkley, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Keeping children safe is our top priority and no child should ever be the victim of such horrific abuse. We are committed to working with the police to put a stop to this abhorrent crime.

"Westminster has one of the highest densities of hotels in London, employing thousands of staff members, which is why bringing this training to central London is so important. We are delighted that the Radisson Blu Portman hotel London is the first to join our campaign and hope the training will allow staff to protect children by recognising the signs and knowing how to report anything suspicious."

Inge Huijbrechts, vice president responsible business at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said: "Our hotels and employees around the world have an essential role to play in helping to protect children from exploitation.

"This police training is an excellent next step in the many actions Radisson Blu Hotels are already taking to safeguard children and complements activities such as our internal child protection training, the signing of the ECPAT CODE and our support for the World Childhood Foundation."

For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/cse