Hotel Watch Launched in Lincoln to Tackle Hospitality Crime

A new initiative aimed at tackling crime in hotels and B&Bs across Lincoln has officially launched. Hotel Watch is modelled on the successful Shop Watch scheme and enables hospitality staff to share vital information about suspicious activity via a dedicated app, including photographs to help others remain alert.

The project targets hospitality-related crime such as pop-up brothels, child sexual exploitation, modern slavery, missing people, and drug dealing.

Yvette Mills, Security Manager at Lincoln BIG, commented: "We’ve seen success across the city with the implementation of information sharing through Shop Watch and our security group that has helped businesses and their employees communicate and share vital information and knowledge of a range of issues. We welcome the launch of Hotel Watch in Lincoln and expect the project to benefit its members just as proactively as Shop Watch does for our retailers.

Lincoln BIG is proud to bring initiatives like this to the city that help keep everyone safe, while also promoting Lincoln as a welcoming and vibrant place for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. By equipping our businesses and their employees with the tools to communicate and share vital intelligence between themselves and partners, we can ensure Lincoln remains a safe and inviting environment for all who live, work, and visit the city."

This new scheme provides staff with tailored crime prevention resources to help spot suspicious behaviour early and create a safer environment for guests and employees. Reception teams will be trained to notice unusual booking patterns; housekeeping staff will be alerted to individuals attempting to access rooms under false pretences; and bar and restaurant staff will be encouraged to watch for loitering or disruptive behaviour.

Inspector Jon Birkin from Lincoln Neighbourhood Policing Team commented: “Following the success of Shop Watch, this new initiative extends that proactive approach to the hospitality sector, and we’re delighted to officially launch the scheme. This isn’t a response to rising crime—it’s a proactive strategy to strengthen prevention and improve detection across the sector. By equipping hotel and B&B staff with tailored crime prevention resources, we’re helping them spot suspicious behaviour early and make their premises safer for both guests and employees.

 Staff will receive practical guidance specific to their roles—reception teams will be trained to notice unusual booking patterns; housekeeping staff will be alerted to be cautious of individuals attempting to access rooms under false pretences; and bar and restaurant staff will be encouraged to watch for loitering or disruptive behaviour.

 We’re proud of the effort and collaboration that have gone into making Hotel Watch a reality, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

Hotel Watch is a partnership between members of the accomodation industry, Lincolnshire Police, City of Lincoln Council, Lincoln BIG. The scheme aims to strengthen crime prevention, improve detection, and foster a strong relationship between hotels and law enforcement. Awareness training is also provided to promote a safer working environment for all staff.

The usual advice about reporting crime applies: in an emergency, call 999, or report crime via 101 or online.

For more information about Hotel Watch, please email here.