Channel Ports
We have just returned from France after 9 weeks and for the first time we were very aware of the large number, of groups of what we assume to be migrants roaming around Ouistreham. Generally well dressed in numbers up to half a dozen some on mobile phones.
No issue to us as we drove through mid afternoon to catch the 16:30 ferry, however the port security were more interested in where we had spent the previous night and had we stopped in the town at all, rather than that where we had been to in Sicily and Eastern Europe.
An ex work colleague who lives very close had said on social media to steer clear of the towns supermarkets, particularly with motorhomes as they were being targeted by these organised groups.
A sign of the times and a little more caution required in the other port towns now the Jungle has been closed.
Moderator Comment - This is more of an information post rather than a story so I have moved it to the Discussion area.
Comments
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There are reports on other forums of migrants at Ouistreham, and of arriving illegal immigrants in Portsmouth, so this story doesn't surprise me.
I think these days, anyone using a Channel Port, should be very vigilant about where they stop, and check their vehicle(s) carefully before driving into the port check-in.
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We stayed overnight at Riva Bella, Ouistreham at the end of September and spoke to a couple who found one in the washroom of there caravan about 4pm after having booked in. They assume he must have jumped in at some point between checking in and completing pitching. They summoned some assistance from another "Brit" and he simply went along to the reception with them where the receptionist took over. To me that just sounds as if was`nt expecting any problem and after a few minutes would be on his way to try again. There were a number along the canal path so we did`nt go out that night and I did check under the van before setting off for the morning ferry!
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Quite often we have been asked where our last stop was and whether the van/Motorhome has been unattended or unlocked since setting off.
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We were in Calais on a day trip 3 weeks ago collecting wine and for the first time ever saw a few groups of young men hanging around a lorry depot well away from the port. Wasn't a problem as we simply drove past but it was a surprise.
When we were there in the summer with caravan we were stopped by armed security at Eurotunnel and did get checked.
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We stopped at Riva Bella overnight in September before catching the ferry home in the morning and saw groups of men hanging around - some walking down the road to the camp site and a group sitting in the ditch over the road from the supermarkets and petrol station. We also had security give us a thorough search of the caravan on the docks, including in the bed lockers and wardrobe.
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St Malo is a civilised ferry crossing, a lovely place to spend a few days, and a great jumping off point for Brittany and western France, but didn't you just say you were going to northern Italy?
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