Breckland Council proposes new fly tipper surveillance op

Breckland Council is considering implementing mobile CCTV and body cameras for staff to target hotspots in the district for these crimes.

Fly tipping frequently happens in rural areas (Image: PA)

It is the latest move by the authority which is taking a hard stance on the issue, with fines to soar by 230pc this year.

According to a report, the new policy has been devised after it became apparent a significant number of these crimes occur in remote areas where surveillance and lighting is low and offenders are likely to go undetected.

A lack of evidence has meant enforcement action often cannot be undertaken but the new system hopes to catch people in the act. 

The plans follow a review last year by the government and police which found waste crimes and antisocial behaviour were two main contributors towards making people feel unsafe in their communities.

READ MORE: Thousands issued in fines for busted Norfolk fly-tippers

Breckland Council has caught and fined three fly-tippers recently (Image: Breckland District Council)

The report says: "The camera system will enable the council to gather evidence to enable further enforcement of such crimes and in turn provide a deterrent effect."

If approved, the council will purchase six mobile CCTV cameras, increasing to 10, four body-worn cameras and two dash cams.

The cost of the new surveillance project has not been revealed but it will be discussed by cabinet members at an upcoming meeting next week.

Currently, Breckland has 94 CCTV cameras which are managed by a third party. These will be unaffected by the new policy.

Fly tipping is a key issue for the authority, which has become the first to introduce tougher penalties.

Under the new measures, the maximum penalty for fly-tipping has been raised from £400 to £1,000, while littering will now carry a maximum penalty of £500, up from £150.