A vigilant farmer has been rewarded after helping Wiltshire Council identify a fly-tipper who dumped waste near Great Bedwyn.
The council has praised the member of the public after evidence they provided led to a £1,000 fixed penalty notice being issued to the offender.
Earlier this year, the farmer became suspicious after spotting a flatbed vehicle travelling through Marten carrying waste, including a silver-coloured fridge and a small sofa or armchair.
The farmer’s partner photographed the vehicle, capturing both the registration and the waste being transported. The image was then shared with local farmers and residents to raise awareness.
The following day, the same items were found fly-tipped at the entrance to a field.
Wiltshire Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team said the photograph and witness statement enabled officers to identify both the vehicle’s registered keeper and the person insured to drive it at the time of the offence.
During an interview under caution, the registered keeper denied responsibility and claimed the vehicle had been sold. However, the council said no evidence was provided to support that claim despite the opportunity to do so.
Following the investigation, the individual was issued with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping, which has since been paid in full.
As part of Wiltshire Council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign, the farmer who provided the evidence will receive a £100 high street voucher.
Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “This case demonstrates how valuable information from local residents can be in helping us tackle fly-tipping.
“Thanks to the vigilance of one member of the public, our officers were able to identify an offender and take swift enforcement action.
“Fly-tipping is a crime that damages our environment, blights our countryside and costs taxpayers money.
“We are committed to taking action against offenders and would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it to us.”
The council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers campaign offers rewards to residents, landowners and businesses whose information leads to successful enforcement action, including fixed penalty notices and prosecutions.
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping is encouraged to record as much information as possible, including vehicle registration numbers, descriptions of those involved, locations, dates and times, provided it is safe to do so.
The council said people should not approach or challenge suspected offenders or put themselves at risk.
