From now on, Dutch Customs will be able to monitor the situation in real time via cameras operated by the North Sea Port authority in Vlissingen. This will allow customs officers to respond more quickly to suspicious activity in this part of the port. Customs and North Sea Port have signed an agreement outlining this.
This agreement marks an important step for both parties in strengthening surveillance in the North Sea Port area, stretching from Vlissingen, via Terneuzen, to Ghent. Customs has already been successfully employing CCTV surveillance for some time, including at the port of Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport, and the Port of Harlingen, following a recent agreement with the local council. The cameras allow customs officers to maintain continuous surveillance, providing Customs with a clear overview of the area. CCTV surveillance also increases the likelihood of detecting offences and enhances the safety of customs officers.
Working together to create a resilient port
The collaboration between Customs and North Sea Port illustrates how organisations are joining forces to better protect ports against criminal activity. Thanks to the signing of the agreement, the necessary (technical) measures can be taken to achieve this goal.
Ingrid van Lankeren, Deputy Regional Director of Customs ad interim, is proud of the partnership with North Sea Port. “In addition to the physical presence of customs officers on the water and in Zeeland’s ports, we are now supplementing our surveillance with technology. By monitoring the situation live via North Sea Port’s cameras, we are improving our knowledge of the area and can deploy our staff even more effectively. This agreement demonstrates that, in Zeeland, we are opting for a joint approach to combating subversive crime.”
“A resilient port requires strong cooperation, clear agreements and the smart use of technology. By giving Customs live access to our CCTV footage in Vlissingen, we are working together to strengthen surveillance in the port area. In this way, we are helping to create a safe and reliable environment for businesses, staff and all partners at North Sea Port,” says Peter Van Parys, COO of North Sea Port.
Image: North Sea Port
