Crime campaign helps make ports safer

The charity Crimestoppers has launched PORTSAFE in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing. The initiative enables Counter Terrorism Border Policing to increase awareness of security-related matters and supports training to equip those who work in and use commercial maritime ports with the knowledge and power to recognise when something is out of the ordinary. The training will ensure that workers have the ability to make a report 100% anonymously.

Mick Duthie, director of operations at Crimestoppers, said: “We hope that by promoting PORTSAFE through a variety of channels, it will act as a constant reminder to businesses, employers and employees to pay more attention to what they see and, where necessary, to report what they might previously have accepted at face value.”

A bespoke and anonymous Crimestoppers-run PORTSAFE hotline has been set up on 0800 141 2927 and an online reporting facility can be found at Portsafe.co.uk.

For many years, police have worked closely with businesses who use and operate commercial maritime ports to improve security at UK borders. Business representatives raised the need for a dedicated reporting mechanism that allows people to remain anonymous should they wish to. Police have worked with Crimestoppers to respond to this request in an approach that will enhance the safety and security of UK ports.