Joint Effort Launches Major Crackdown on Waste Crime in East Lancashire

In a significant operation aimed at tackling organised waste crime, Lancashire Police, along with several agencies, recovered stolen goods including construction machinery valued at £25,000. This operation took place on Thursday, 23rd July, when over 35 officers collaborated to address illegal waste activities in the areas of Bacup and Burnley.

Multi-Agency Operation in Lancashire

The coordinated effort was led by the Environment Agency and involved personnel from Lancashire Police, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Burnley Council, and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The purpose of the operation was to disrupt illegal waste operations, gather intelligence, and identify potential offences associated with organised waste crime.

Officers from various units, including the Rossendale Rural Task Force, Ribble Valley Rural Task Force, Burnley Urban Task Force, and the Stolen Vehicle Unit, were involved in the initiative. Notably, an Environment Agency drone was employed to assist with ground operations, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the enforcement activities.

Results of the Operation

Throughout the day, officers successfully stopped 28 waste vehicles as part of roadside and mobile enforcement checks. They also visited five suspected illegal waste sites, uncovering two previously unknown locations that are now under investigation. The operation led to the recovery of a stolen telehandler, two stolen vehicles, a stolen skip, a dumper truck, and a trailer, alongside the collection of vital information to support ongoing inquiries into waste offences.

John Neville, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, highlighted the serious implications of waste crime. He stated, “Waste crime is far from a victimless offence. It harms communities, damages the environment, undermines legitimate businesses, and is often linked to wider organised criminality.” He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among agencies to combat these crimes effectively.

Commitment to Community Safety

Chief Inspector Philip Brown from Lancashire Constabulary echoed these sentiments, stating that waste crime significantly impacts local communities and legitimate businesses. He reaffirmed the joint commitment to addressing illegal waste activities through collaborative actions, combining resources and expertise to enhance community safety and cleanliness.

Stephen Williamson from HMRC expressed their dedication to combating waste crime using a variety of civil and criminal powers to ensure compliance. He urged the public to report any information regarding tax fraud or illegal activities to aid in these efforts.

Addressing the Threat of Waste Crime

Marian Kitson, DVSA Director of Enforcement, noted that illegally operated vehicles pose risks to road safety. She commended the collaboration on this operation and stressed the importance of taking decisive action against non-compliant drivers and operators.

A Senior Environmental Officer at Burnley Borough Council commented on the efficacy of such joint enforcement actions, which allow for the identification of lawbreakers while supporting legitimate waste carriers. The commitment to ongoing collaborative enforcement activities aims to safeguard communities and hold offenders accountable.

Ongoing Efforts and Public Reporting

Waste crime encompasses a range of illegal activities, including operating unlicensed waste sites, transporting waste without the necessary authorisations, and illegal dumping or burning of waste. These actions can lead to severe environmental damage and are often linked to broader organised criminal activities.

The Environment Agency continues to prioritise tackling waste crime through intelligence-led enforcement and coordinated operations. This operation follows the Agency’s Operation Unite, an 18-week nationwide enforcement campaign targeting permitted waste sites as part of their ongoing commitment to combating waste crime.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected waste crime to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.