COASTAL crime left unchecked is a problem for us all, Devon and Cornwall Police have said as it launches Project Kraken.

The project is a joint law enforcement operation tackling coastal and border crime around the UK.

‘We are lucky to have so many remarkable places to enjoy and explore – but if crime and those behind it are left unchecked, we all suffer the consequences’ a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said.

In the wake of Project Krakens launch, police are reminding people of the warning signs involved in 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, police say.

Crimes could include theft, smuggling and criminal damage.

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.

Other signs to look out for include, 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 and people taking an interest in port security or buildings - maybe taking pictures or videos, or trying to gain access to restricted areas