More than 160 lockdown fly-tippers face fines or prosecution in Milton Keynes

MK Council introduced CCTV at fly-tipping hotspots all over MK last summer.

Always a problem, the offence escalated during lockdown when household waste tips had to be closed.

During the last two months alone, MK Council’s Environment Crime Team Unit has issued 17 fixed penalty notices for waste crimes including littering, fly tipping and businesses breaching the duty of care. The majority have been as a direct result of catching offenders on CCTV cameras.

MK Council has a further 21 offences on CCTV currently under investigation and another 10 waiting for a court date.

In total, it has 166 open investigations into waste crimes. These crimes are punishable and fines can range from £125 up to £50,000 or 5 years imprisonment.

Councillor Emily Darlington, Cabinet member for the public realm, said, “People who fly tip are disregarding the impact it makes on their neighbours and the whole community. It is not a new problem, but we are cracking down with CCTV and officers to find and deal with offenders. Fly tipping is a serious criminal offence, and we can and will prosecute. We currently have eight prosecutions pending for illegal dumping which will be heard once the courts are operating normally again.”

The council is also urging local people not to fall foul of criminal waste removers as if someone fly tips your rubbish, you could face a court appearance and fine, even if you paid them in good faith.

A spokesman said: "It’s fine to pay people to take away your rubbish - but always consider: Are they a Registered Waste Carrier with a valid licence?How much are they charging? If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Where do they take their waste? If in doubt, don’t use them. Have you got a receipt with the carrier’s name and address? Take a vehicle registration number."

Find out more online here . And you can check if somebody is a registered waste carrier here. .