DOCKERS are being urged to report suspected crimes or terrorist activity at the port of Southampton.

A new campaign has been launched to combat crime at UK ports.

As part of the PORTSAFE campaign, dockers are urged to be extra vigilant about criminal and terror activities.

The campaign is an initiative between police, port operators - including ABP - and security officers based at UK ports and port facilities.

It aims to increase awareness of security-related matters and provide training on how to spot suspicious activities.

It also offers an anonymous hotline for workers to report their concerns.

All people who work at and use commercial maritime port facilities are being reminded to be on the lookout for suspicious behaviour, even among staff.

Crimestoppers is reminding port staff not to be complacent when it comes to observing colleagues and other on-site workers.

Mike McCartain, ABP Group Director of Safety, Marine & Engineering, said: “ABP has supported the development of the PortSafe scheme by working closely with Crimestoppers at the Port of Southampton and we will continue to support the scheme across all of our other ports.

“Health and safety are core values for ABP and we work with relevant partners and agencies to provide security across our locations.”

“PortSafe aims to enhance security awareness within UK commercial maritime ports and port facilities. It is a collaborative approach between law enforcement, first responders, partner agencies and industry to provide a benchmark of security.”

The UK ports industry is the second largest in Europe.

It is said to handle more than 500 million tonnes of freight and over 60 million international and domestic passenger journeys every year making UK ports and port facilities an "attractive target" for criminals.

For more information visit Crimestoppers website.