Multi-agency operation in East Herts

A multi-agency operation was held in East Herts on Monday (24 February) as part of continuing efforts to tackle fly-tipping and target those using the road network to commit crime.

Officers from both the East Herts Rural and Ware Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) were joined by colleagues from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) and Environment Agency to ensure that vehicles travelling through the area were all in order.

Vehicles travelling on surrounding roads were stopped and directed to a checkpoint off the A602 near Ware, to be assessed for correct documentation and licenses, as well as roadworthiness.

During the operation:

• One person was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.
• Traffic Offence Reports (TOR) were issued for offences including not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.
• A Community Resolution was issued for possession of cannabis.
• A van was seized for being driven by a disqualified driver.
• One person was stopped for having an insecure load.

Sergeant David Miller, from the East Herts Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Fly-tipping is a big concern among rural communities and we’re doing all we can to tackle the issue, in partnership with other local agencies. We conduct regular patrols and work with landowners to pass on advice.

“Operations such as this allow us to stop and check a large number of vehicles, to ensure they are carrying and disposing of waste correctly and legally. They also allow us to detect all sorts of other criminality which may be occurring.

“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."