Lorry drivers called on to beat Hull's port crime
LORRY drivers are being urged to help combat terrorism and organised crime through Hull's ports.
The increase in world trade is giving international crime rings more opportunities to import illegal drugs, cigarettes and guns, alongside increased terrorism threats and human trafficking.
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UNITED FRONT: From left, Malcolm Brigham, of the Freight Transport Association, assistant director of Border Force Humber Sam Bullimore, Chief Superintendent Tracey Bradley and Humberside Crimestoppers chairman Frank Duffield at the launch of Project Yali.
Project Yali has been launched by Humberside Police to help tackle the problem in East Yorkshire by encouraging lorry drivers and other port users to report anything suspicious.
In partnership with Crimestoppers, P&O Ferries, Associated British Ports, UK Border Force and the Counter Terrorism Unit, the force is targeting those working in transportation to exchange information and intelligence about criminal activity at King George Dock in Hull and ports in Immingham and Killingholme.
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In the first three months of this year there were more than 30,000 movements in and out of Humber ports by vehicles, including HGVs and tankers.
Project Yali will ask haulage companies to call Crimestoppers with information about any suspicious activity.
Superintendent Tracey Bradley, of Humberside Police, said: "The volume of traffic using the Humber ports on a daily basis is phenomenal and we believe that working closer with our partners in the transport business is essential to reduce the risk from terrorism and organised crime.
"If Humberside Police and the local transport community can effectively work together by sharing information and intelligence we can better protect the Humberside area and vigilance at all times will be our defence."
Supt Bradley said she did not believe it was necessary to launch a new dedicated phone number. She said: "It's a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it.
"We already have an established number with a proven track record.
"We just feel we need to raise awareness of the Crimestoppers number within the transport community."
The model is based on similar nationwide projects Pegasus and Kraken.
Supt Bradley said: "Pegasus and Kraken have proved such a success and we wanted to do something more locally.
"We patrol the docks and have a high-visibility presence but you can't beat the information and intelligence we could receive from drivers."
Within the next few days of the operation, 5,000 leaflets will be distributed and 1,000 posters put up around the docks to encourage reporting.
More leaflet drops will follow in the coming months while police and Border Force staff will talk to drivers about the project.
Just last week, 63,000 cigarettes were discovered in a Polish lorry at King George Dock.
Sam Bullimore, assistant director of Border Force Humber Division, believes lorry drivers are in a good position to spot anything suspicious.
He said: "HGV drivers know better than anyone whether there is anything strange about a lorry.
"For instance, external ventilation where there shouldn't be any may indicate human trafficking.
"This project is a fantastic example of working in partnership, something we are trying to do more of."
David Coleby, of haulage firm Bulkhaul Ltd, attended the launch.
He said: "This project is a very good idea. Our drivers have seen things changing hands and other suspicious behaviour but haven't known how to report it.
"It is in all our interests to stamp out criminality at the ports."
Any drivers or other users wishing to report suspicious behaviour at the ports should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Comments
by Ace2471
Thursday, September 27 2012, 10:00AM
“For sure it's true what you say PC but does that mean we give up and let these criminals continue with their illegal smuggling businesses?
It's kids they target for drugs buddy so we have to try and eliminate this hitting the streets!”
by Prescotts_Cat
Thursday, September 27 2012, 9:36AM
“Enough of the waffle, basically there aren't enough police to look after one of the country's gateways to Europe due to police cuts so they would appreciate it if you could do their job for them. Does exactly fill the public full of confidence.”