Thames Valley Police has begun to carry out a number of operations at service stations across the force.
Last week, operations were carried out by Thames Valley Police teaming with Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and Hampshire Constabulary.
The visits to service stations across the force were aimed at raising awareness to HGV drivers on how lorries being driven from ports into the UK may be targeted by organised criminals looking to smuggle people.
Detective Inspector Steve Jones, of the Thames Valley Police Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “People may ask why Thames Valley Police is involved and why we are engaging with hauliers in these areas. Sometimes like other areas across the country, the service stations in our area can be a first stop off, after a channel crossing, so this might be a place where those who have been smuggled try to exit a lorry or vehicle.
“The risk of serious injury or death of being smuggled in the back of a lorry or a small boat is significant.
“There are also serious penalties for those caught helping to smuggle people into the UK in the back of lorries. They could be arrested and investigated and their employer could face substantial fines for not having appropriate security in place for their fleet.”
Operations were carried out at Newport Pagnell, Chieveley, Waterstock, Beaconsfield and Reading services and overall throughout the days officers engaged with 275 hauliers. 225 of the lorries were searched and the other 50 received advice on the dangers.
No people were found in the back of lorries during the operations however officers did come across 22 lorries with outstanding clandestine fines for previously being found with people on the lorry following a border crossing.
£96,190 was paid in fines to Border Force as a result of this with 2 lorries being seized on behalf of Border force.
Newport Pagnell services saw 60 lorries being searched, the largest amount from a single service station across the week.
In total officers encountered 6 companies with outstanding clandestine fines whilst in Newport Pagnell services and recovered £11,400. A lorry was also towed with a £5,200 fine on it.
Detective Jones said: “We would advise anyone who thinks that there may be people trapped in a lorry or vehicle to report it to police immediately to 999 as a life could be put at risk.
“Equally if you think someone you know is involved in such activity, or if you’ve been approached by someone to smuggle people then please do report it as it could save someone’s life and bring the organised gangs who are ruthlessly exploiting often vulnerable people to justice.
“If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the police you can report 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111”
