RESIDENTS of Teignmouth and Dawlish are being urged to be on their guard against the threat of terrorism on the coast. Police are taking part in Project Kraken which aims to encourage seasiders to be more aware of suspicious activity along coastlines.

Devon and Cornwall constabulary has linked up with colleagues in Dorset to appeal for vigilance as part of National Counter Terrorism Week. The UK’s Border Force and National Crime Agency (NCA) are also promoting greater public awareness of the risks poised on coastlines and waterways. It’s hoped the initiative will help strengthen the maritime industry’s response to criminal and terrorist threats.

Chief Supt Jim Nye, Strategic Alliance Commander for Operations for Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, and chairman of the UK Seaport Commanders said: ‘Our region has some 650 miles of coastline - and it is vital that the public and maritime community work with us to help protect our shores. ‘By working together we can help to prevent terrorists and organised criminals posing a threat.’

He added: ‘We are asking people to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour in these and other maritime environments. No matter how trivial it may seem, if it looks out of the ordinary, we want to know about it.’

As part of Project Kraken, information and advice will be given to people across the county who visit, live or work near the coastline and waterways of the three counties.

Chief Supt Nye said: ‘The United Kingdom’s border controls are among the most stringent in the world. To keep our coastlines safe, we have to work extremely closely with not only our operational partners but also members of the public.

‘It is vital that our local communities are alert to the threats on our waters and that they report anything untoward via Project Kraken so that assets and resources can be deployed to deliver to their greatest effect.’

Any unusual or suspicious activity should be reported to the police on 101 or via the 101 email. Any immediate emergency should always be reported to 999.