Border Force covers over 11,000 miles of mainland coastline, operating in and around small ports and marinas. It raises vigilance and awareness of suspicious behaviour which may be linked to terrorism or other serious crime.
Project Kraken is a joint law enforcement operation tackling maritime border crime.
What do we mean by coastal crime?
Coastal crime is any crime that has an impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders, including smaller ports, docks and marinas.
Crimes include theft, smuggling and criminal damage.
Warning signs
For anyone around the coast
seeing boats moored up in strange or isolated places or at strange times
boats unloading scared or suspicious people, or unloading packages
people making attempts to signal or guide boats offshore
people putting objects into waterways near bridges or marinas
people loitering with no sense of purpose, and / or acting nervously
people taking an interest in port security or buildings - maybe taking pictures or videos, or trying to gain access to restricted areas
Extra signs to spot if you work in the maritime industry
nervous crew who show a lack of knowledge of maritime protocols
boats showing signs of unusual modification or minor damage
people making a large cash payment for maritime equipment
people charting or hiring boating making unusual requests
someone trying to gain access to restricted areas
Report it, let’s sort it
Make a report online or call the Coastal Crime Line on 0800 011 3304 to report suspicious or unusual behaviour on the coastline or at sea.
You do not have to give your name when making a report.
In an emergency, always call 999.