Report suspicious behaviour around the UK coastline or at sea: Project Kraken
Updated 1 April 2025
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Border Force covers over 11,000 miles of mainland coastline, operating in and around small ports and marinas. It raises vigilance and awareness of suspicious behaviour which may be linked to terrorism or other serious crime.
Project Kraken is a joint law enforcement operation tackling maritime border crime.
What do we mean by coastal crime?
Coastal crime is any crime that has an impact on, or happens around, our coasts and borders, including smaller ports, docks and marinas.
Crimes include theft, smuggling and criminal damage.
Warning signs
For anyone around the coast
- seeing boats moored up in strange or isolated places or at strange times
- seeing boats coming together and meeting up, observing items being exchanged
- boats unloading scared or suspicious people, or unloading packages
- suspicious items washed up on the coast and beaches (do not touch or remove)
- people making attempts to signal or guide boats offshore
- people putting objects into waterways near bridges or marinas
- people loitering with no sense of purpose, or acting nervously
- people taking an interest in port security or buildings - maybe taking pictures or videos, or trying to gain access to restricted areas
Extra signs to spot if you work in the maritime industry
- nervous crew who show a lack of knowledge of maritime protocols
- boats showing signs of unusual modification or minor damage
- people making a large cash payment for maritime equipment
- people who own a boat yet display limited maritime knowledge, wear inappropriate clothing, and come and go at unusual hours
- suspicious packages floating at sea
- boats carrying excessive fuel containers
- people chartering or hiring boats making unusual requests
- boats meeting at sea and acting suspiciously
- someone trying to gain access to restricted areas
Report it, let’s sort it
Report suspicious or unusual behaviour on the coastline or at sea
Make a report online or call UK Border Watch, powered by Crimestoppers, on 0800 011 3304.
You do not have to give your name when making a report.
In an emergency, always call 999.