East Hertfordshire Authorities Crack Down on fly-tipping crime

In a coordinated effort to combat fly-tipping and other rural crimes, East Hertfordshire authorities conducted a multi-agency operation today, stopping and checking approximately 80 vehicles.

The operation involved officers from the Hertfordshire Constabulary working alongside representatives from East Herts Council, Herts County Council, the National Rural Crime Unit, Trading Standards, the Environment Agency, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB).

Commercial vehicles were specifically targeted and directed to a checkpoint set up at the Ware waste and recycling centre. There, officials conducted thorough inspections to ensure vehicles had the proper documentation, licenses, and were in good roadworthy condition.

As a result:

• Two vehicles were seized for no insurance
• Eight Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) were issued for various offences
• Three Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notices were issued
• 36 vehicles were checked for red diesel

While specific details on the outcome of the operation haven’t been released yet, authorities have confirmed that two vehicles were seized for lacking valid insurance. This operation serves as a strong message from East Hertfordshire authorities that they are committed to tackling rural crime and protecting the environment.

Sergeant David Miller, from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Fly-tipping is currently a real issue in rural East Herts and we’re doing all we can to identify those responsible, working alongside our partners.

“We’ve been conducting regular patrols and have changed our shift patterns to try and stop incidents occurring.

“Today’s operation allowed us to stop and check a large number of vehicles to ensure they were carrying and disposing of waste correctly and legally. It also allowed us to gather useful intelligence.

“I’d like to thank the waste and recycling centre for allowing us to use the facility as a checkpoint and the drivers who cooperated with us.”

“There is still work to do and we will not stop our pursuit of these criminals who cause misery for hard working farmers and the wider rural community.”

If you witness fly-tipping in progress, always dial 999, giving as much information as possible about any people or vehicles involved. If you come across a fly-tip, this should be reported to the local council.