Ipswich hotels work with police to tackle child sexual exploitation
Plain-clothed officers carried out visits as part of Operation Westerham.
Suffolk police have conducted covert visits to hotels in Ipswich as part of efforts to tackle potential child sexual exploitation.
As part of Operation Westerham, plain-clothed officers accompanied by trained police cadets attempted to book rooms to test safeguarding measures. All hotels visited refused the bookings in line with the protocols introduced during previous police collaboration.
Inspector Josh Ives, head of the Child Exploitation and Gangs Team, said: “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.
“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 launched last year to address concerns surrounding child sexual exploitation in Suffolk. It aligns with the national Operation Makesafe initiative.
In recent months, police have made several arrests connected to these investigations, working with partner agencies to support and safeguard victims. These cases are currently progressing through the legal system.
Educational work with hotels was completed in 2025, with police liaising directly with hotel staff in the Ipswich area. Staff received briefings on situations to watch for and training packs to enhance their safeguarding practices.
Inspector Ives added: “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 advice and support, visit Suffolk police’s website.