Smuggling groups have increased security for migrants traveling across the Channel in reaction to fresh strategies for a clandestine operation.

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Martin Hewitt, the former head of Scotland Yard, as Britain's new border commander. Hewitt's mandate is to bust the gangs that traffic in migrants, and it is said that he would utilize undercover police.

But smugglers have ramped up security checks for the migrants amid the threat of the officers being deployed in the camps around Calais.

Criminal leaders fear imminent arrest under the crackdown, so are trying to stay "one step ahead" with a "three-authentication system".

A prosecution source said: "Security is being ramped up. There will be extra checks around identification, passports and the transfer of money. Those bringing migrants to the crossings will have to vouch for who they bring.

"Things will tighten up around security. Nobody wants to be responsible for messing up and exposing the gang to the law, their life would not be worth living. A prison sentence would be the least of their worries.

"We are dealing with the most ruthless criminals in the world who think nothing of sending over 50 or so people on boats which are falling apart across the busiest shipping lane in the world. This is serious business to them and any threat needs to be countered."

Sir Keir has insisted his plan to tackle the gangs at source would remain, despite criticism over the scrapping of the Tory Rwanda scheme.

He vowed Mr Hewitt would "lead a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and bring order to the asylum system".

The source added: "The three layers is a new rule.

"Extra passport checks, being vouched for and a proper discussion before.

"The smugglers are very much aware of the law enforcement crackdown."

Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: "This shows the Government's plan is a failure. This is organised crime on a huge global scale which spans continents.

"It will not be solved by slogans. The gangs are one step ahead.

"They are too established. It is like drug dealing, once you get rid of one, many others are there waiting."

Over 10,000 migrants have crossed since Labour won the election.