Help turn the tide on coastal crime

• Imagine you’re out for an early morning dog walk on the beach when you see a small boat moor up in the distance. As you get closer you see people getting off the boat; as you walk past, you notice they look scared…
• Imagine arriving back into your spot at the marina after a day of sailing only to find someone hanging around one of the other boats. You know all the locals, so it seems strange to see someone new, and you could have sworn they were eyeing up the security camera…
• Imagine walking home along the seafront one night after a dinner at the pub with friends. It’s already dark, so you’re surprised to see a figure flashing a light out on to the sea towards a boat in the distance…
• Imagine you're travelling through one of our main maritime ports like Harwich or Portsmouth, Dover or Holyhead, and you see people where they shouldn't be, or taking unusual interest in the port security, like the CCTV, entry/exit points and general security details...

When it comes to stunning coastlines and bustling port and harbour towns, the UK is incredibly lucky to have so many great locations to enjoy and explore - but if crime and the people behind it are left unchecked, then everybody suffers. 

Working in partnership with:

Don't ignore it - report it.

We all have the power to protect our coastal communities from crimes that put them at risk. 

The best way to do this? 

Knowing the signs to spot these crimes and criminals, and to speak up with information that could help stop the people behind them.

Our charity works with Project Kraken, Project Falco and Border Force, and powers the Coastal Crime Line, giving you a way to report any information or suspicions 100% anonymously. You can call free on 0800 011 3304 or report it online 24/7, here on our website.

Speak up, 100% anonymously - call free on 0800 011 3304 or use this link to visit our online form.

What do we mean by coastal crime?

Essentially, it’s any crime that has an impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders, including smaller ports, docks and marinas. From theft, to smuggling, to criminal damage – whether you’re a keen sailor, work in the maritime industry or are simply enjoying a coastal hike – if you see something suspicious, the Coastal Crime Line is here for you.

What sort of warning signs should you be looking out for?

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 staff-only or restricted areas.

Extra signs to spot if you work in the maritime industry:

• Nervous crew who show a lack 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 accessing areas that they shouldn’t be.

You can learn more about the signs to spot through Project Kraken. 

What can you do to help stop the criminals behind it?

In an emergency, or if a crime is happening now, always call 999.

If you’ve spotted any of the warning signs that you may have witnessed a crime, or know details about the criminals behind one, you can speak up with information 100% anonymously to the Coastal Crime Line, powered by our charity. 

The kind of details that could help:

• Who is committing the crime? Even if you don’t have a name, any details about the person/people, such as what they look/sound like, or the make, model or reg number of any vehicles they use is really helpful. 
• When and where did you see something criminal or suspicious? Again, it’s OK if you don’t have all the precise details, but anything about the location or time could be useful. 
• What did you see/what do you know? The more descriptive you can get about what you’ve seen, know, or suspect the better, as the clearer the info is, the more helpful it will be to help authorities build the bigger picture. 

We know how scary speaking up can be – you don’t want anyone to find out you said anything. That’s why we’re powering the Coastal Crime Line. Call free, 24/7, on 0800 011 3304 or click to head to the simple online form, and help make a difference in keeping our coastline crime-free.