Hidden CCTV cameras deployed to tackle fly-tippers who dump Christmas rubbish in Hartlepool

Thirteen, which has houses across the North East including some 7,500 in Hartlepool, is asking everyone to dispose of their Christmas rubbish responsibly.

And the landlord warns where its specialist investigators find evidence of who has dumped rubbish they won’t hesitate to report it to local councils to take action.

Scott Lowther, Thirteen’s director of facilities management, said: “Typically we continue to see old mattresses, chairs, broken fridges and general household waste being dumped and this makes the estates look run-down and untidy.

“We know that general house-hold waste increases over Christmas. But fly-tipping is a crime.

"It’s dangerous and irresponsible.”

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He added: “We find a range of giveaways in the piles of rubbish that contain personal information.

"So, if any fly-tipping is being investigated it will be strung with yellow tape and a notice, to reassure other neighbours that the issue is being dealt with.”

Scott said in some areas, hidden CCTV cameras will help them to catch culprits, but we want communities to help by reporting fly-tipping.

And he warned households of the risks of using waste disposal and household clearance services which charge to take rubbish away, but then dump it.

He said: “Many people aren’t aware of the very serious consequences. They face a fine and the trader found to be fly-tipping could face an unlimited fine or a prison sentence.

“If you’re asking someone to dispose of rubbish, to keep yourself safe, always carry out the relevant checks if you’re paying for waste to be disposed of, and ask the company for their waste carrier registration and always get a receipt, before you hand over your waste and your money.

“We’re continuing to work closely with partner organisations and local authorities to put a stop to this.

“We’re asking everyone to help make their community a better place to live – if you see it, please report it.”

Councillors in Hartlepool recently called for more prosecutions describing the issue as ‘a menace’.

It comes after the estimated cost of clearing fly-tipping in the borough came to £233,000 in 2019/20 and over £1.1 million in the last five years.

People can also report fly-tipping on the Hartlepool Borough Council website.

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