Police warning over blitz on fly-tippers

Criminals dumping rubbish in a Staffordshire district have been warned to expect a visit from police officers if they refuse to co-operate with the council.

Cannock Chase Council is routinely enlisting the help of police officers.

Anyone suspected of being involved in dumping rubbish is invited to the council offices to have a tape-recorded interview under caution. Anyone who refuses to attend will be referred to Staffordshire Police and officers will arrest them and interview them at a police station.

The partnership between the council and Staffordshire Police has already reaped rewards with two investigations progressing to court after suspects were arrested.

Councillor Tony Williams said: "Cannock Chase Council takes a zero tolerance approach to the serious issue of fly-tipping in our district, and those responsible must realise it is a criminal offence and with the support of Staffordshire police we will take action and prosecute where necessary.

"Fly-tipping is offensive, illegal and blights local areas."

The maximum fine at magistrates court for a flytipping offence is £50,000 and up to five years in prison.

Residents also need to be aware that if they give waste to an unlicensed waste carrier they are failing in their duty of care and they could get a £5,000 maximum fine.

Inspector Chris Ellerton, from Rugeley police, said: "Staffordshire Police recognise the importance of tackling environmental crime and we are working closely with our partners to bring offenders to justice."

Cannock Chase Council is offering a £100 reward for information which leads to the successful prosecution of fly-tippers. Anyone seeing someone fly-tipping can contact Cannock Chase Council on 01543 462621.