Cornwall is told prevention should be at the heart of preventing thing like terror threats. It come as police in the Duchy and Devon launch a campaign to help protect our coastline. We are being urged to report anything suspicious around the water.
Officers say it is vital communities work together to protect our shores and keep Cornwall safe. Border Force, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the police are promoting Project Kraken, as part of National Counter Terrorism Week. Partners carry out intelligence-led activities, using various tactics across many locations to prevent and deter criminal activity.
They say intelligence and information reported by members of the public is vital to the successful policing and protecting of our coastlines and waterways. Chief Superintendent Jim Nye, Strategic Alliance Commander for Operations for Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, and Chair for the UK Seaport Commanders said: “Devon, Cornwall and Dorset has in the region of 650 miles of coastline and it is vital that the public and maritime community work with us to help protect our shores.
“By working together, we can help to prevent terrorists and organised criminals posing a threat to you, your neighbours, your pastimes, your businesses and your livelihoods.
“We are asking people to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour in these and other maritime environments. No matter how trivial it may seem, if it looks out of the ordinary, we want to know about it.”
As part of Project Kraken, information and advice will be given to people across the county who visit, live or work near the coastline and waterways of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Local knowledge and experience puts the maritime community in a good position to spot anything unusual and the Border Force, NCA and the police are hoping that Project Kraken will see those in the know come forward with information and intelligence.
Chief Supt Nye added: “The United Kingdom s border controls are among the most stringent in the world. To keep our coastlines safe, we have to work extremely closely with not only our operational partners but also members of the public.
“It is vital that our local communities are alert to the threats on our waters and that they report anything untoward via Project Kraken, so that assets and resources can be deployed to deliver to their greatest effect.”
Acting Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Colin Pipe, said: “Project Kraken helps to keep our waters safe, by encouraging our marine communities to report anything suspicious.
“These communities are best placed to recognise something out of the ordinary, and help the police to prevent and detect crimes on the water.
“The Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, has been raising the issue of port security for some time now, asking the then Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, to reinvigorate this particular initiative. However, it is only with the eyes and ears of residents, sharing information that we will continue to keep Dorset safe.”
Devon and Cornwall s Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, said: “Prevention should be at the heart of reducing crime in all communities, which is why Projects such as Kraken and the National Counter Terrorism Week is so vital.
“Project Kraken will provide those who live closest to our coastline with a means to pass-on vital information which will have a direct effect on keeping our borders secure and our communities safe.”
Any unusual or suspicious activity should be reported to the police on 101 or via the 101 email. Any immediate emergency should always be reported to 999.
You can also report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
8:42am 4th December 2016