Devon and Cornwall Police Launch £350K High-Tech Patrol Boat
Devon and Cornwall Police have rolled out a £350,000 cutting-edge patrol boat to crack down on the surge in illegal migration, smuggling, and organised crime along their shores.
Meet Neptune: The Ultimate Sea Enforcer
Dubbed Neptune, this Home Office-funded vessel is now patrolling the coastline with state-of-the-art gear. It boasts a long-range infrared camera and an underwater drone built to handle the toughest sea conditions.
Neptune’s bigger size means crews can stay out longer—even in rough weather—supercharging patrols and crime-fighting efforts.
Cracking Down on Crime and Protecting Coastal Heritage
Chief Constable James Vaughan hailed Neptune as a “major advancement” in maritime policing:
“Neptune will significantly enhance our ability to combat crimes, from lobster pot theft to counterterrorism and organised immigration. This new vessel will help us safeguard our coastline, our communities and our heritage.”
Beyond chasing smugglers and drug traffickers, Neptune will protect historic coastal sites like protected shipwrecks and war graves by deterring illegal diving and looting.
Vital for Emergencies and Offshore Enforcement
Police describe Neptune as a “crucial tool” for swift sea emergency responses and stamping out offshore crime. With this maritime powerhouse in action, Devon and Cornwall’s waters just got a whole lot tougher to breach.
