"Project Kraken" to tackle threat of crime on waterways
7 December 2009
Police in North Surrey are urging river users and communities to work with local safer neighbourhood teams and remain vigilant to help reduce the threat of criminality on rivers and waterways.
Surrey Police have officially launched ‘Project Kraken’, a national initiative designed to raise awareness among river communities about the threat of terrorism and other criminal activity on rivers in the county.
The project is already being used successfully by a number other forces across the south coast and is now being expanded to cover Surrey waterways, particularly the river Thames.
There are over 1250 berths in the Surrey stretch of the non-tidal Thames, which flows through Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Runnymede. Many of the boats visiting the large marinas in the area, such as Shepperton and Penton Hook near Thorpe, have travelled from the coast or even abroad.
Part of the work undertaken by Surrey Police for ‘Project Kraken’ involves local safer neighbourhood teams developing close working relationships with river users and marina management to ensure a regular flow of information.
Although there is currently no specific terrorist threat to Surrey or the river, the Thames could be a target for terrorists and other criminals looking to access London, or to smuggle people or materials into the country.
North Surrey Neighbourhood Superintendent Rachel Tills said: “Project Kraken aims to co-ordinate the whole marine community, neighbourhood police officers, police community support officers and the general public to report any suspicious behaviour on Surrey’s waterways.
“We want to make people aware of what constitutes suspicious activity - when something seems wrong, unusual or out of place. And we want to encourage all river users to work together with the Police and other agencies to reduce the risk of criminality on Surrey’s rivers.
“As part of the project safer neighbourhood policing teams will be visiting properties and businesses along the river to get to know the river community, and to share advice around river crime and Project Kraken.
“If you see them out and about, introduce yourself and get to know your local officers. You can also contact your Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 125 2222.”
Acting Detective Sergeant Michael Coulson said: “This is an exciting project for Surrey Police to be involved in and I think it’s clear that river users have a vital role to play in keeping Surrey and the country safe.
“I want to encourage members of the public to report any concerns they have about any activity taking place on rivers to police so we can assess the information and react appropriately.”
Anyone can report suspicious activity to the police using 0845 125 2222 or the confidential Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Call 999 if you have a genuine emergency requiring the attendance of the police (e.g. a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger).
Questions? Comments?
For more information call the North Surrey Division Press Office on 01483 639971 or email the North Surrey Police Media Relations Office on NS_press_office@surrey.pnn.police.uk For up-to-date news see our website at www.surrey.police.uk