Ahead of this afternoon’s announcement by the Prime Minister about the relaxation of restrictions in Stage Three of the roadmap out of lockdown – expected to come into place next Monday 17 May – Dorset Police is helping hotels to spot the signs of crime.

Four videos have been produced with the aim of educating hotel staff on what to look out for in relation to county lines, child exploitation, human trafficking and cyber crime.

These videos have been shared through the Hotel Watch initiative, set up as a partnership with Dorset Police to share information, promote safeguarding, and increase safety and security within hotels.

Small and medium businesses are frequently the targets of cyber crime, and it now costs the UK around £1bn every six months.

Sergeant Daniel Cullen, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police is committed to supporting our partners in the hospitality sector to make their businesses safe and free from these types of criminality.

“Due to the nature of the crimes that tend to happen in these environments, often it involves criminals taking advantage of vulnerable people. We have to stop this happening and must work with our partners to protect those who are often unable to protect themselves.”

The videos, which were funded and produced by the Office of the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, were filmed at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.

Owner and director Rosie Radwell said: “Hotel Watch has been great at helping hotels communicate issues.

“What happens at one hotel may very well be happening at another, and the new information videos can give our staff some knowledge about what to look out for so they don’t ignore the signs of illegal activity.

“This scheme enables us to grow as a closer knit community and by all working together we will reduce crime across the conurbation.”