Combatting Fly-Tipping

Fly-Tipping - Dumped Household Waste

How SIASS Help Local Authorities Tackle This Growing Problem

Fly-tipping, the illegal dumping of waste, is a blight on our communities and a threat to wildlife. Defined by Keep Britain Tidy as "the illegal deposit of any waste onto land that does not have a license to accept it" , fly-tipping is a problem that continues to escalate across the UK. With local authorities facing ever-decreasing budgets and increasing priorities, the challenge of effectively tackling fly-tipping can often feel insurmountable. However, SIASS offers robust solutions to support local authorities in this crucial battle.

The Impact of Fly-Tipping

Fly-tipping has far-reaching consequences for local neighbourhoods and wildlife. It can lead to:

• Health Hazards: Dumped waste can contain harmful chemicals and materials that pose serious health risks to residents.

• Environmental Damage: Wildlife can be severely affected by fly-tipped waste. Animals can ingest harmful substances or become trapped in dumped materials.

• Economic Costs: Cleaning up fly-tipped sites is expensive, draining resources that could be used for other community services.

• Community Blight: The presence of illegally dumped waste degrades the appearance of neighbourhoods, reducing property values and fostering a sense of neglect.

The Challenge for Local Authorities

Local authorities are tasked with managing and prosecuting incidents of fly-tipping, but the reality is challenging. Limited personnel and equipment, combined with the need to address a wide range of priorities, often mean that fly-tipping doesn’t receive the attention it requires. Effective surveillance and evidence gathering are crucial for successful prosecutions, but many local authorities lack the resources to conduct these activities comprehensively.

How SIASS Can Help

SIASS provides specialized support to local authorities aiming to tackle fly-tipping head-on. Our expertise in technical surveillance and evidence gathering can make a significant difference. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Designing Lawful and Ethical Covert Investigations

Our team can assist in the design of covert investigations that comply with legal and ethical standards. This ensures that the evidence collected is admissible in court, increasing the likelihood of successful prosecutions.

2. Running Full Operations

SIASS can manage the entire investigation process, from planning to execution. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of the operation is handled with professionalism and precision, allowing local authorities to focus on other priorities.

3. Leasing Equipment and Operators

For authorities that prefer to conduct their own investigations but lack the necessary equipment or trained personnel, SIASS offers the option to lease high-quality surveillance equipment and experienced operators. This flexible solution allows for effective fly-tipping investigations without the need for significant upfront investment.

4. Providing Professional Witnesses

In legal proceedings, the presentation of evidence is critical. SIASS can provide professional witnesses to support the prosecution, offering expert testimony on the evidence collected during the investigation. This can greatly enhance the credibility and impact of the case.

5. Providing Technical Surveillance Operator Training

We provide cost-effective covert technical surveillance training to local authority employees to improve their internal resources and understanding.

Taking Action

Fly-tipping is not just an eyesore; it’s a serious issue that affects the health, safety, and well-being of communities and wildlife. By partnering with SIASS, local authorities can enhance their capacity to address this problem effectively. Our tailored solutions provide the tools and expertise needed to conduct successful investigations and secure prosecutions, ensuring that those who illegally dispose of waste are held accountable.

For more information on how SIASS can support your fly-tipping initiatives, please contact us at info@siass.org.uk. Together, we can create cleaner, safer environments for everyone.

Recent result seen in the local UK press by Council's using covert surveillance to tackle fly-tipping Winchester City Council's hidden camera catches fly-tipper | Hampshire Chronicle

References

1. Keep Britain Tidy - Fly-Tipping

By leveraging the capabilities of SIASS, local authorities can make significant strides in the fight against fly-tipping. Our expertise and resources are here to support your efforts in maintaining clean and safe communities. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.