Officers from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have for a third occasion this summer, been involved in a substantial maritime counter-terrorism/anti-smuggling initiative, jointly with officers from HM Customs and Excise, centred around the Isles of Scilly.

The islands and surrounding waters are visited by several hundred vessels during the summer months, many from the Europe and Irish Republic. Several pass through the islands without visiting any other UK mainland ports. It has been recognised that the islands may be seen by some as a quiet ?back door? opportunity to access the UK. Therefore the operations are designed to reassure the public that the security and policing of the islands is an integral part of the Force’s efforts towards a National Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The purpose is to prevent and deter those engaged in criminal and terrorist linked activities from making use of the islands.

The most recent week long initiative ran from Tuesday 19 August 2003 and included the busy Bank Holiday weekend. As with similar initiatives during June and July, Special Branch officers, assisted by local officers and HM Customs officers, have stopped yachts and vessels in the vicinity the islands and checked others moored in the bays and coves. Owners and crews have been spoken to, identification details have been checked and some searches carried out.

This has been a true partnership effort over the summer with shared resources being utilised to the full. The use of the Customs’ cutter ‘Seeker? and its crew, have enabled officers to intercept vessels at sea and the police underwater search team with their own boats have been utilised in and around the inshore waters and islands.

During the three weeks of operations 222 vessels have been boarded and 723 checks carried out. Whilst no arrests or significant seizures have resulted, much intelligence and information has been gained. Owners and crews have generally responded positively to the initiative, recognising that countering terrorism and anti-smuggling are major priorities for the agencies involved.

Such initiatives will continue in the future to reassure islanders and residents of Devon and Cornwall that Britain’s ?back door? is a secure one.

iPress Release, Police Press Office/i