£1k reward on offer to trap fly-tippers

People are being offered a reward of up to £1,000 for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for large-scale flytipping in County Durham.

Durham County Council and anti-crime charity Crimestoppers have launched a joint initiative to encourage residents to use the charity’s anonymous reporting service, to notify the council of any incidences of dumped waste and evidence of someone who is responsible.

Crimestoppers is now offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information that leads to a conviction of those responsible for incidents of fly-tipping and arson.

The council has a number of measures in place to ensure incidences are dealt with quickly and those responsible face action but is also encouraging residents to use the charity’s anonymous reporting service.

Gemma Gibbs, regional manager at Crimestoppers, said :“The overwhelming majority of people are proud of our area, but a small minority’s behaviour harms the community and our environment. Anyone who has information about those who cause large-scale fly-tipping can contact our charity completely anonymously online or on the phone.”

Ian Hoult, the council’s Neighbourhood Protection Manager, said: “We have noticed there is a gap in the number of reports from the public, perhaps due to a generalhesitancy of reporting or because they fear they know the person responsible. Using Crimestoppers, people will be able to let us know of any incidences so we can deal with them, while maintaining anonymity.”

Call 0800 555 111.