The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bid to halt criminal dumping
CAMPAIGN: Members of the public are being encouraged to report culprits anonymously to Crimestoppers
A new campaign encouraging members of the public to anonymously report illegal dumping of waste in farm buildings and warehouses was launched yesterday by Crimestoppers.
A campaign, run in partnership with environment agency Sepa, aims to tackle the increase in criminals using warehouses and farm buildings to dump their waste.
According to Crimestoppers, waste criminals operate across Scotland’s cities and countryside offering to remove waste cheaply before dumping it in empty warehouses, fields or farm buildings.
The charity estimates that waste dumping incidents could cost in excess of £1 million when the costs of clean-up, disposal, building repairs or demolition, and public services are accounted for.
“We are 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,” said Angela Parker from Crimestoppers.
“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% 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.”
Sepa chief executive Terry A’Hearn said there was an onus on farmers and landowners to keep an eye on the activities of their tenants.
He said: “Illegally dumping waste is a lucrative business for criminal organisations and warehouses or derelict sites are a prime target to mask this activity, out of sign and mind of the public.”
“The reality is that illegal stockpiling is on the rise and often on an industrial scale.
“It’s imperative that 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.”
Mr A’Hearn explained that by reporting suspicious activity to Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, members of the public would not only be helping alert authorities of the whereabouts of criminals but also allow the agency to map the scale of waste crime in Scotland.