Would-be fly-tippers in Hartlepool are being warned to think twice before illegally dumping their waste because they could be caught on camera.

Hartlepool Borough Council is stepping up its fight against environmental crime by deploying small and discreet wildlife cameras at fly-tipping hotspots across the borough.

The cameras can be moved to different locations and are helping the council’s enforcement team gather crucial evidence against people who illegally dump waste.

Successful prosecutions are already taking place as a result.

A library picture from 2023 of fly tipping at the rear of West View Road, in Hartlepool.

placeholder image — A library picture from 2023 of fly tipping at the rear of West View Road, in Hartlepool.

The crackdown coincides with Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight, which runs until October 25, a national campaign led by Tidy Britain Group and supported by the council.

Councillor Amanda Napper, chair of the council’s neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, said: “Fly tipping is selfish, completely unacceptable and a blight on our communities. There is simply no excuse for it and we are not prepared to tolerate it.

“These cameras give our enforcement team another important weapon in the fight against those who think they can dump their rubbish and get away with it.

“They are small, discreet and can be deployed where we need them.

“So anyone considering fly-tipping should be aware that they could be caught on camera.

“The overwhelming majority of our residents care about their neighbourhoods and dispose of their waste responsibly.

“They should not have to put up with the actions of a selfish minority who spoil our environment for everyone else.”

Residents can also play their part by reporting fly-tipping incidents at https://online.hartlepool.gov.uk/service/report-an-issue-in-the-area and selecting fly-tipping from the drop-down list.