Waste crime officers from the Environment Agency have joined forces with Durham Constabulary to raid two suspected illegal waste sites in County Durham.
Waste crime officers from the Environment Agency have joined forces with Durham Constabulary to raid two suspected illegal waste sites in County Durham.
The raids happened on Tuesday 6 December with the aim to gather evidence about suspected illegal activity on two sites around Stanley and Consett.
The Environment Agency raided a suspected illegal skip hire company, and an end-of-life (ELV) vehicle dismantling business. Both sites are suspected of operating without a permit.
The raids were part of a national crack down on illegal waste operators.
Richard Shepherd, environmental crime team leader for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “We are working hard to stop illegal waste activity wherever it is happening. This type of crime can have an enormous impact on the environment as well as local communities.
“We have pooled our resources with Durham Constabulary to deter criminals from any future illegal activity and to disrupt their operations. These raids will send out a message that waste crime will not be tolerated.”
A spokesperson from Durham Constabulary, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to support our colleagues in the Environment Agency on these raids to help tackle the problem of waste crime.
“Police have accompanied Environment Agency staff to support their investigations, and I hope it’s clear to see that enforcement agencies will work together to tackle all breaches of the law.”
Waste crime is a serious problem costing businesses, landowners and tax payers millions every year and causing significant harm to the environment, human health and wildlife.
Waste crime also undermines legitimate waste businesses where illegal operators charge less than those operating within the law.
Areas subject to waste crimes may also suffer from declining property prices.