The UK government said this year had seen the lowest number of summer arrivals – a period when journeys often rise in part due to the warmer weather – since 2020.
Last week crossings resumed after three weeks of stormy weather.
Former director general of the UK Border Force Tony Smith said it was “clear that the human smugglers operating in Europe continue to try new routes to bring illegal entrants to the UK”.
“In recent months we have seen launches from the Normandy beaches, Belgium and now as far afield as the Netherlands rather than across the short straits to Dover under the original model,” he said.
“It is important that the Border Security Command adapt its operations to cope with this ever expanding challenge.”
The government said in October that the home secretary had signed a deal with the Belgian interior minister enabling police in both countries to exchange intelligence more quickly to disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks, including those involved in migrant smuggling.
Nearly 1,050 French officers are now supporting UK-France efforts to stop crossings, with an additional new surge team bolstering operations on Western beaches, according to officials.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “Joint efforts with international partners have prevented over 50,000 crossing attempts and seized 1,100 boats and engines since the election.
“But we must go further. That’s why we are boosting the number of officers on the ground in France and removing the pull factors drawing people here through illegal and dangerous routes.”
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