France Deploys Riot Police Units on Northern Beaches to Stop Small Boat Crossings

Two new specialist police units have been set up on French beaches in northern France to prevent small boat crossings to Britain and to track down people smugglers.

A dedicated riot unit is now operational alongside the Compagnie de Marche. Officers will work with drone, plane and camera surveillance systems to break up launch attempts, seize equipment and stop migrants before they reach the Channel. The riot unit comprises 75 officers, with additional personnel expected during the summer months.

Officers aim to use public order powers to manage violence on beaches and increase patrols across the coast.

The agreement between the UK and France includes £500 million to strengthen enforcement on beaches in northern France, with a further £160 million available based on the effectiveness of new tactics. The deal is set to increase law enforcement numbers by 40 per cent.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the units form part of a landmark deal that takes collaboration between the countries to a new level. Operations like this halted almost half of all attempted crossings last month. Home Secretary said pressure is being put on French beaches to target criminal gangs and stop launches before they occur.

The Compagnie de Marche has already played a significant role in preventing illegal crossings. Raids completed as part of a joint effort by the National Crime Agency, German Federal Police and French National Police’s people-smuggling units resulted in dozens of boats and engines seized in Germany, preventing more than 2,000 crossings.

outcomes Last week prosecutors secured the first sentences under the Government’s Border Security Act. An Afghan national was sentenced to two years at Canterbury Crown Court for endangering others during a sea crossing and entering the UK illegally.