Police in Greater Manchester say they are now acting faster and more effectively to protect vulnerable children following past failures, with one recent hotel incident showing how joined-up safeguarding is making a difference.
Greater Manchester Police received a 999 call from a hotel receptionist concerned about a man checking in with a girl who appeared to be underage. The receptionist discreetly asked the girl if she needed help. Though she said no, she appeared frightened. Officers arrived before the call had even ended.
The man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug offences and attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child. The girl, 14, was safeguarded.
The incident was captured on a police body camera and shared with Sky News as part of GMP’s efforts to restore public trust following years of criticism over its handling of child sexual exploitation cases in Rochdale and Oldham.
The call was one of many made under Operation Makesafe, which trains frontline staff in hotels, transport, and takeaways to spot the signs of exploitation and report concerns immediately.
Detective Inspector Chris Chadderton said the speed of response was a result of better coordination between agencies. "Obviously, they're happy to speak to their social workers," he said. "Us working together, being in the same office, that information passes on a lot quicker."
Operation Makesafe runs alongside Operation Luka, a wider programme launched two years ago to proactively patrol hotspots, disrupt exploitation, and identify vulnerable children. Together, the two operations have led to more than 360 criminal disruptions and around 270 children being safeguarded so far.
The initiatives are part of GMP’s attempt to move beyond the deep institutional failings exposed by three independent reviews into historic group-based child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester.
Chadderton said success is not just measured in prosecutions. "It’s sometimes about making sure we can get that young person out of that situation where they feel trapped," he said.
The incident at the hotel reflects the broader shift in approach, with safeguarding no longer seen as a task for one agency alone. Social workers, police and health workers now operate from a single safeguarding hub in central Manchester and conduct joint patrols in areas known to be high risk, including Piccadilly Gardens.
Their message to offenders is clear, staff in places like hotels are trained, watching, and ready to call police, who are now arriving within minutes.
Heritage photo walk to explore Rochdale town centre landmarks
Bev Craig confirms free Bee Network travel for all 11-16 year olds on first official day as mayor
The Met announces packed autumn programme featuring Shaun Ryder and John Bramwell
Comedian Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 after brief illness
New images reveal plans for Casewells venue at Bury Market
Five more fly tipping fines issued in Bury crackdown
Art on a Postcard exhibition to bring artists from across the UK to Whitefield
Bev Craig says she’ll be “hitting the ground running” following election as the new Mayor of Greater Manchester
Bev Craig has been elected as the next mayor of Greater Manchester.
Review into care of child who almost died due to malnutrition
Bury cookie shop relaunches as independent business after 15 years
Reform UK councillors in Rochdale reject increase in council allowances
Comments
Add a comment