Ports like Weymouth could be exploited by traffickers arranging for refugees to cross the English Channel in small boats.

The warning comes from Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill who says the migrant crisis with people attempting the perilous crossing to Britain from France should serve as a warning to local coastal communities that we are 'vulnerable'.

He is calling for further investment to improve security so Dorset is ready in the event of the county's coast being targeted.

The focus currently is on protecting the UK border in the south east with a Royal Navy vessel deployed this week to patrol the Straits of Dover, the shortest crossing from France.

Sending HMS Mersey, below, to patrol the Channel marks a significant escalation of the response to the migration issue after Home Secretary Sajid Javid earlier this week announced the redeployment of two Border Force cutters from the Mediterranean.

Dorset Echo:

LOOKOUT: HMS Mersey, right, is accompanied by two Border Force Cutters during a patrol near Dover in Kent yesterday

An "enhanced action plan" between the UK and France to tackle the issue includes increased joint patrols and surveillance, disruption of organised trafficking gangs and efforts to raise awareness among migrants of the dangers of a Channel crossing.

The charity Detention Action said the reason for the crisis was the Government's failure to create safe and legal routes for people to claim asylum in Britain.

Mr Underhill has raised concerns in the past about the Dorset coast being vulnerable amid the terrorist threat.

Amid the Channel migrant crisis, Mr Underhill said: “Dorset residents will know that I have laboured long and hard to improve security in our county’s small ports, raising this with successive home secretaries.

“The government has shown it is prepared to take the issue seriously, announcing last year that it was recruiting a further 1,000 Border Force officers as part of preparations for Brexit, and I welcome this investment.

“However, recent news stories about migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small dinghies shows the risks that traffickers are prepared to take, and should serve as a warning never to become complacent.

“The small ports along our coastline remain vulnerable to illegal entry, and I will be continuing to press for further investment and for the use of innovative technology to improve security."

Mr Underhill added: “While we require further commitment from the government, I would also urge the hardworking members of our own maritime and aviation communities to remain vigilant. The recently launched Portwatch tool, for example, enables boat operators and other small businesses across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall to share information about suspicious activity with police and each other.”

Nick Thornley, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Head of Economy, Leisure and Tourism said: “Weymouth is an open port that relies on observations by harbour and marina staff, harbour users and the general public to report suspicious activity to the Harbour Office, Border Force and/or the police.

"Harbour and marina staff have received general security training which includes an awareness of terrorism and immigration and which authority to contact.

"If there was a terrorist incident or threat, or an immigration concern, then the emergency services would be contacted directly and the borough council’s emergency plans would be initiated.

"Patrols of the harbour are conducted by the Marine Police and Border Force staff in support.”

Dorset Echo:

SECURITY: Home Secretary Sajid Javid meeting Border Force staff on board HMC Searcher in Dover, Kent, on Wednesday

A Home Office spokesman said: “The Home Secretary has been clear that he is committed to protecting the UK border.

“We are working with the Department for Transport and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, in addition to commercial operators and Port Security Officers, to ensure that sightings of potentially suspicious vessels are reported immediately.

“Border Force has worked with HM Coastguard to increase safety broadcasts to all vessels in the Channel, and continues to use Project Kraken to encourage the public and industry to report suspicious activity.”