Ipswich - Hotel trade helps police tackle child sexual exploitation

Suffolk police have paid covert visits to a number of hotels in Ipswich in a bid to tackle possible child sexual exploitation.

Plain-clothed officers attempted to book rooms while accompanied by suitably trained police cadets. In all cases the hotels refused the bookings in accordance with safeguarding protocols issued during previous police visits.

“This was a successful strategy, carried out in the town as part of the wider Operation Westerham, and we are pleased our earlier work with hoteliers and staff has proved effective,” said Inspector Josh Ives, who heads up the Child Exploitation and Gangs Team.

“The young people we used to accompany officers are part of the Suffolk Police Cadets and had received appropriate training and the visits were undertaken in controlled conditions to ensure their wellbeing was secure.”

Operation Westerham was set up in Suffolk last year in response to concerns around possible child sexual exploitation (CSE) incidents and links into the national Operation Makesafe initiative.

A number of arrests have been made recently and police worked with partner agencies in order to support and safeguard victims. These cases are currently being processed.

The educational work was completed in 2025 with several hotels in and around the Ipswich area, which included liaising directly with staff, briefing them on particular situations to be aware of and providing information packs for staff training.

Inspector Ives said: “We want to encourage victims of any sexual exploitation or assault to continue to speak to us and feel confident in accessing the specialist support they need. Any allegation will be fully investigated and we have dedicated specially trained officers who work with victims.”

To report being a victim or for support and advice please use this link:

Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or staff at the Suffolk SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), The Ferns, on 0330 223 0099 or via email contact@theferns-suffolk.org.uk

Other help is available:

Survivors In Transition | Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation.

Here To Help | Brave Futures - provides a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.