A new multi agency law enforcement campaign aims to make the coastline and waterways safer. People living or working on and around the UK’s coast are being asked to report suspicious or unusual activity, as part of the joint project delivered by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and police forces.
Project Kraken is targeting the 20,000 miles of coastline and the network of estuaries, navigable rivers, coves, inlets, ports and harbours which can be exploited by criminals and terrorists. It aims to increase public reporting and strengthen the general maritime industry’s response to threats.
Maritime communities are being urged to be vigilant and be our eyes and ears as part of the new-look campaign as they have the expertise and local knowledge to spot anything out of the ordinary.
Reporting channels have been simplified to make it easier for people across the country who live or work near the coastline and waterways, or who take part in water-based activities. They can contact either the police through the 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously. Areas for the public to be vigilant around ports, harbours and coastal resorts are:
Crew on boats who show signs of nervousness or a lack of maritime awareness.
Vessels showing signs of unusual modification or minor damage.
Increased activity at isolated coastal locations or at unusual times of the day.
Any attempts to signal to vessels offshore or guide them into an unusual landfall.
Strange patterns of payment, such as large amounts of cash.
People testing site security or an abnormal interest in site structures and wharfs.
Activity at unusual times of the day.
Anything that would help identify the people, vessels or other vehicles involved.
For more visit the NCA website – http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/campaigns/project-kraken.
