Police port crime crackdown expands to Essex

A police initiative encouraging lorry drivers to share information and pass on intelligence to combat terrorism and organised crime has been expanded to Harwich port.

Project Yali was launched in the north east in January and at Tilbury and Purfleet docks in March and now drivers using Harwich are being asked to report suspicious activity.

Essex police said LGV drivers were “ideally placed” to support the authorities target criminals involved in people smuggling, drug dealing and terrorism.

“The volume of traffic using Harwich ports on a daily basis is phenomenal and we believe that working closer with our partners in the transport business we can reduce the risk of terrorism and organised crime,” said detective superintendent Paul Maghie, head of counter terrorism.

“With Essex police and the local transport community working more closely together, sharing information and intelligence, we can better protect those not only working in our ports but the wider communities we serve.”

Project Yali asks haulage companies call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org with information about any suspicious activity.