Police tackle fly-tipping and rural crime in East Herts

Two vehicles were seized for no insurance during the crackdown on Friday.

Police were joined by representatives from East Herts Council, Herts County Council, the National Rural Crime Unit, Trading Standards, Environment Agency, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, and the Motor Insurance Bureau for the operation.

Commercial vehicles were directed to a checkpoint at Ware's waste and recycling centre to be assessed for correct documentation and licenses, as well as roadworthiness.

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.

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.

The operation tackling fly-tipping and rural crime in East Herts (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

“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.