New billboard campaign to raise awareness of dangers victims of people smuggling face launched at Peterborough services

The Organised Immigration Crime campaign kicks off today Monday, February 8 and will last for eight weeks.

The appeal follows the recent tragedy that saw 39 Vietnamese migrants suffer a painful death by suffocating in a lorry trailer on their way to Purfleet in Essex.

Seven men were jailed for a total of 92 years as a result of the investigation into the deaths.

The nationwide campaign will also include social media posts, leaflets and out-of-home advertising to remind hauliers and the public that people die in trucks and to urge them to report anything suspicious.

Detective Sergeant Mark Seage, from Lincolnshire police said it is imperative that the public remain alert – particularly due to the risk the people being smuggled may not have been tested or vaccinated for coronavirus.

He said: “I want to reassure everyone that we understand how concerned we all are with new variants of the coronavirus, and the potential impacts of them on our families, friends and neighbours.

“We understand the potential dangers of illegal entry of migrants into the UK and the link between the two.

“Lincolnshire Police take robust action to continue making our roads both a safe and a hostile place for any area of criminality.

“My plea is to all residents and people who work, study or travel through Lincolnshire to be extra vigilant and look out for any suspicious activity around HGVs.

“Special attention should be given at Service Stations and Lorry Parks."

He added: "“This plea also goes to HGV drivers and company owners too - if you are asked to facilitate the illegal entry of migrants into the UK please get in touch.

“People can die hiding in lorries and Lincolnshire Police is committed to working with our communities and partners to robustly tackle this criminality.

“I want to reassure our communities that here in Lincolnshire we have a dedicated team of professional staff who work 24/7 on all types of Organised Immigration Crime.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call police on 101 or 999 in cases of emergency. If you don’t want to contact the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.