Police have warned they will take action against fly-tippers in Bolton where ' you don't have to go very far to see rubbish dumped'.
Neighbourhood officers are teaming up with the council as part of a new operation using new powers, announced by the Government earlier this year.
Town Hall chiefs say that cleaning up the borough is "a key priority" and welcomed the joint approach.
The Government announced in April that they would be giving the council and police new powers to seize and crush vehicles of "waste criminals".
They said they would be working with local councils to use drones and CCTV cameras to identify cars and vans belonging to fly-tippers.
Ministers also launched a rapid review to slash red tape blocking councils from seizing and crushing vehicles.
They also said that "waste cowboys" would now face up to five years in prison for transporting and dealing with waste illegally.
Police warned of individuals "collecting and depositing waste illegally" and said they will be prosecuted.
Sergeant Dan Richards from the Great Lever and Highfield neighbourhood team said: "Fly-tipping and illegal waste collectors are an issue within our communities, you don't have to go very far to see rubbish dumped in back streets and green spaces.
"Not only is it unsightly and dangerous, it's also bad for the environment.
"We will be targeting those individuals we believe are collecting and depositing waste illegally.
"If you are one of these people, we will also be using our powers under the road traffic act to prosecute you and potentially remove your vehicle from the road."
Officers said they would be holding days of action along with Bolton Council that will be "intelligence-led".
Sergeant Richards warned that anyone using a waste collection company has a "duty of care" to ensure they have the "required authorisation" to remove your waste.
He said: "A legitimate operator will be happy to show you their authorisation to carry and remove waste, if they are unable or unwilling to do so then please don't employ them as your waste will likely be dumped in our communities and you may be liable to prosecution yourself."
Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.co.uk
Cllr Richard Silvester, Bolton Council's executive member for climate change and the environment, gave his full support to the operation.
He said: "I fully support the joint operations which will be taking place between my officers in Environmental Enforcement and the Police.
"It is a key priority of the Labour administration of Bolton Council to clean up our Borough.
"Fly tippers beware, we know who you are, and we are coming after you. Your assets will be seized.
"For too long environmental crime has paid with individuals earning a living out of it and this will be stopped.
"Bolton Council will use the new powers given to it recently by the Labour government to maximum effect.
READ MORE: What Andy Burnham's GM vision announcement means for Bolton
READ MORE: More than 7,000 Bolton fly-tipping incidents reported in 10-year high
READ MORE:Bolton West MP Phil Brickell launches fly-tipping campaign
"Joint working with the Police and intelligence sharing will frequently occur.
"Labour in Bolton made additional investment in the Council’s budget in February to employ further Environmental Enforcement officers.
"We are committed to this; it is one of our missions and the results of these joint operations will soon be seen."
Share