Seventeen suspected flytipping cases are being investigated after 24 extra CCTV cameras were set up throughout County Durham.
The council is currently investigating 17 suspected flytipping incidents thanks to footage gleaned from its cameras. The authority is now warning would-be waste criminals that if they dump waste there is a bigger chance than ever of them being caught red handed on camera thanks to the extra cameras.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “It is encouraging to see that the additional CCTV cameras are proving effective. We hope this sends a strong message to everyone to think twice before dumping rubbish as you never know where our cameras are and who might be watching.”
Meanwhile, neighbourhood wardens also helped the Environment Agency investigate a second hand shop owner who broke the law by storing items and burning them at a site in South Moor, Stanley.People are reminded that it may be illegal to pay a man with a van to collect items such as furniture if they do not have a licence. Always ask to see their waste carrier licence before handing over waste and cash.
Residents can take waste to their nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) – for more information visit www.durham.gov.uk/hwrc or call 03000 261 000.
Flytipping can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling 03000 261 000 and unlicensed waste carriers can be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
