Anonymous calls can help stop illegal dumping of waste
A campaign to encourage the public to report instances of illegal waste dumping in warehouses was at Bandeath Industrial Estate in Throsk on Monday.
It aims to tackle the increase in criminals using warehouses and farm buildings by asking the public to spot the signs and contact the charity anonymously.
Waste criminals operate across Scotland’s cities and countryside, offering to remove waste cheaply and then dumping it in empty warehouses, fields or farm buildings.
The initiative comes from Crimestoppers in partnership with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Police Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, Scottish Business Resilience Centre and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland.
Crimestoppers national manager Angela Parker said:“We’re asking the public and waste industry operators to be alert and speak up anonymously if they suspect or know someone involved in dumping waste illegally.
“This is a hidden crime that can potentially harm us all, whether we live in the city or countryside. We urge anyone who has information about the perpetrators of this crime to contact us 100 per cent anonymously. We do not take personal details and we can’t trace information given to us by phone or online. No-one will ever know you contacted us.
“We’re a charity that gives people the power to speak up to stop crime. We won’t ask for any personal details, including your name. No police, no witness statements or courts.”
SEPA chief executive, Terry A’Hearn added:“Illegal stockpiling is on the rise and often on an industrial scale. It’s imperative landowners carry out proper checks on prospective tenants and stay vigilant for suspected criminal activity, as ultimately the burden and cost of clearing waste falls on the owner.
“Reporting suspicious activity to Crimestoppers will not only help us identify and take firm action against those responsible, it will allow us to map the scale of waste crime in Scotland and ensure we protect our communities from the impact of environmental damage and social blight.”
Illegal dumping can be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or through the nontraceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.