Event at Devon beauty spot raises public awareness about the dangers of dumped waste

Recent visitors to Haldon Forest Park will have spotted a strange site – police and partners staged a 'fake' fly tip at the beauty spot to raise awareness of the offence.  

Dumped items included a chair, mattress, microwave and washing machine to show that fly tipping is on the increase across the UK and encourage the public to report incidents. 

Devon & Cornwall Police work with other agencies such as Forestry England, local councils, Clean Devon and the Environment Agency to combat the problem.   

Rural Affairs Officer PC Clarke Orchard, who supported and attended the unusual event earlier this month, explained: “Not only is fly tipping an eye sore, but with it comes a wealth of environmental consequences and financial implications; all of which cause harm in our communities.

“This is a selfish offence and one that we aim to reduce across the counties of Devon and Cornwall. We will continue to work closely with our local partners to support educational events as well as targeted operations to identify those responsible.”

Addressing the public directly, PC Orchard added: “Whether you report fly-tipping when you see it or disposing of your waste correctly, we all have an important part to play in tackling this issue.

“If you fly-tip, your actions can have huge implications on wildlife, waterways and the wider community, including farmers and landowners. So please, stop and think twice.”

PC Clarke Orchard continued: “Fly-tipping can cause significant damage and we know that it’s a growing concern for people living in rural areas of Devon and Cornwall. Unscrupulous criminals target communities by illegally dumping waste and they cause a blight on our beautiful countryside. To address this, we've built strong partnerships and launched operations across the force to combat these threats and raise awareness further.

“The latest staged fly-tip was an innovative way to demonstrate what illegal waste dumping looks like and allow us to have constructive conversations with members of the public about the importance of reporting incidents. Fly tipping is a significant issue and one that can also have huge impacts and financial ramifications to private landowners, farmers, and rural communities. Furthermore, some waste products pose significant risks to public health, endanger livestock and crops, as well as surrounding wildlife and waterways.”

To report incidents of fly tipping please contact your local council via their website.

Chris Kernoghan, Community Environment Warden at Teignbridge Town Council, said: “Conducting events such as these gives Teignbridge residents a chance to understand how they can report any fly tips which they have come across and what to do if they happen to witness such an incident. The event makes residents aware of what to do on other aspects which could affect them, from paying someone to remove their household waste but not carrying out the correct checks.

“We and colleagues at the District Council will continue to have a good working partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police on fly tipping incidents and will continue to hold events such as these to help residents become more aware of how we can all work together to try and reduce this ongoing concern.”

Report flytipping - Teignbridge District Council

Environment Agency Environment Officer Reece Chadwick said: “Waste crime adversely affects communities, undermines legitimate waste businesses, and damages the environment. The Environment Agency will vigorously pursue those who flout the law. 

“If you’re paying someone to take waste away, which could be a tradesperson or a man with a van, make sure they are a registered waste carrier.  

"If you suspect that waste crime is taking place in your community, contact our 24/7 Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060, or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

A Clean Devon spokesperson explained: “Together, we can stop the waste getting in the hands of the fly tippers. Our advice is to always:

“In addition to the serious harms caused to Devon’s natural landscapes, wildlife, and livestock, if your waste is found fly tipped, you are still responsible and can face unlimited fines. Always check, before anyone takes your rubbish away, and if you see it, report it.”

Further ‘fake’ fly tip staged events are planned for the coming months.

A Forestry England spokesperson added: "Fly tips are a blight on the countryside, and it’s always upsetting to see nature treated with such disregard. Haldon Forest Park is frequently a victim of fly tipping, which diverts our limited resources away from work that would benefit wildlife and visitors, so we’re pleased to support Devon & Cornwall Police to raise awareness."