Witnesses sought following fly-tipping incidents in rural East Herts

Police are appealing for witnesses and information as part of ongoing enquiries into a series of fly-tipping incidents in rural East Herts.

Since Tuesday 20 February, there have been five large tips, the most recent of which occurred just off the A602 in Watton at Stone, between 6am and 7am today (Friday 8 March).

Previous incidents have been reported as follows:

• Tewin - between 5pm on Sunday 25 February and 8am on Monday 26 February
• Hunsdon - between 8pm on Friday 23 February and 6am on Saturday 24 February
• Furneux Pelham – between 10.50pm on Thursday 22 February and 8.45am on Friday 23 February.
• Wadesmill – Tuesday 20 February at around 5.55am.

Officers are working alongside colleagues at East Herts Council and the National Famers’ Union (NFU) to identify anyone who may be involved.

Neighbourhood Sergeant David Miller said: “The negative impact and cost implications that fly-tipping has on rural communities is huge.

“We’re continuing to investigate these incidents and would ask anyone with information to please come forward.

“Did you witness any suspicious activity in these areas around the times stated? Have you captured any footage of note on a dash cam? Any information at all may prove key to progressing our enquiries.

“We are continuing to work in partnership across East Herts to fight waste crime and bring those responsible to justice. If you see fly-tipping in progress this should be treated as a crime in action and police should be called on 999 straight away, with locations and descriptions.”

NFU County Adviser for Hertfordshire Josh Redford said: “This is yet another example of industrial scale waste being dumped on a farmer’s land, which is completely unacceptable.

“Fly-tipping continues to be a major issue for our members.

“With farmers and landowners legally responsible for the clear-up of rubbish dumped on their land, this has a serious financial impact.

“It also impacts farmers’ ability to produce food for the nation.

“Fly-tipping blights the countryside, harms the environment and is a massive strain on the public purse as local authorities and the Environment Agency tackle rubbish dumped on public land. 

“We need the public’s support to help tackle this serious crime, so I would urge anyone with information about this, and other fly-tipping incidents, to report it to the police as a matter of urgency.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

For further advice and information around fly-tipping, visit the Let’s SCRAP fly-tipping website.