LORRY drivers are being urged to lock their vehicles in a joint appeal being led by the National Crime Agency and Border Force.

The push, in partnership with Crimestoppers and the Home Office, comes two years after 39 Vietnamese migrants were tragically found dead in the back of a lorry in Grays.

The NCA alone has around 50 ongoing investigations linked to organised immigration crime and since the start of the year, has been involved in more than 140 arrests.

The tragedy that took place in Grays on 23 October 2019 highlighted just how perilous this method of entry into the country is.

NCA Deputy Director Andrea Wilson said: “The tragic events that took place in Essex two years ago have remained front and centre of our minds in tackling this issue and continue to inform our operational activity.

“We cannot emphasise enough how crucial information from those in the transport sector is, and hope this renewed drive gives people the confidence to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”

Border Force Chief Operating Officer Steve Dann added: “The Grays tragedy revealed the terrible dangers people face being hidden in the backs of lorries by criminals who put profit over safety without a care for who they hurt.

“This campaign encourages our haulier community to secure their vehicle and to be the eyes and ears on the roads reporting anything they think is suspicious – together with the NCA, we are determined to bring an end to this heinous trade in people smuggling.”