British Bases: New patrols to tackle illegal immigration and smuggling

Four new specialized patrol vehicles are stepping up the efforts of the British Bases Customs and Immigration Department to tackle illegal immigration and smuggling along its borders to the east of the Bases.

A written statement from the British Base stated that "the four new specialized patrol vehicles already in operation have been enhanced with lighting systems and high-definition, high-definition cameras capable of thermal imaging to combat illegal activity in isolated areas."

It added that "with the delivery of the new vehicles, the number of the British Customs and Immigration Department's fleet in the eastern areas will increase to 11, while ensuring that the Officers will have the best equipment at their disposal to carry out their duties." now that the crossing points have reopened. "

The Head of Customs and Immigration at Dhekelia, Adam Chatfield, said the new vehicles were a significant addition to his team's capabilities, noting that "all Officers in the Base areas have now been trained. "Additional vehicles are necessary to maintain our patrols by increasing resources," he said, noting that "thermal imaging is a fantastic piece of equipment to cover large areas with low visibility."

He added that "the vehicles are an additional support to the XNUMX-hour patrols and despite the fact that thermal imaging equipment has been used in the past, these vehicles offer us the latest technology to carry out our work within the British Base".

Mr. Chatfield also described the threat of illegal immigration as a "major challenge" for the Department Officers and noted that "these vehicles help us to combat illegal immigration by disrupting and preventing this activity. "We have already seen a positive impact in various areas along the border and this is due to the use of additional equipment, resources and good cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in Cyprus."