Paul Singer, Broker at Boatshed Dartmouth, recently attended a presentation from Devon and Cornwall Police Special Branch organised by South Devon Marine on Project Kraken.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police are calling on local communities and stakeholders to work with them to prevent criminals or terrorists who are looking to disrupt the everyday lives and safety of those who live, work, or travel through the waters of the force area.

Project Kraken, through the provision of a central phone number, provides a way of reporting unusual activity or behaviour within the maritime environment which may be linked to acts of crime or preparatory acts of terrorism. By promoting the exchange of information and close working with our partner law enforcement agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs and the UK Border Agency (HMRC / UKBA), Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can continue to be a safe place to live, work and relax for all.

An individual’s activity or behaviour may become suspicious in the context of their location. Likewise, the unexpected or unusual presence of a vessel or a particular cargo within a small port or marina might just cause reason for concern.

Commander Chris Pratt of the HMRC / UKBA said, “Our cutter crews work around the clock to protect UK territorial waters from criminal activity, regularly patrolling the south west peninsular and the Isles of Scilly.

“Multi-agency working and intelligence sharing are essential to all law enforcement agencies.

“We support Project Kraken and the reassurance it provides to those people who live and work in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly”.

The public is asked to call the police on 08452 777444 quoting Project Kraken whenever they see any activity or behaviour that they feel is suspicious.

Devon and Cornwall Police are also asking users and residents near the waterways to register to Project Kraken free of charge. As a registered member of Project Kraken they will receive information updates by email and a quarterly newsletter providing a summary of national and international incidents that might be of interest.

In addition, they will be added to an email distribution list, which will be used, when appropriate, to circulate urgent information and intelligence updates.

The public is invited to join Project Kraken by emailing their name, organisation name, location and contact telephone number to

Project.kraken@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

At Boatshed we are pleased to support our local community and help the relevant agencies create a safe and secure marine environment.

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Devon and Cornwall Police