2-May-2006 - The Environment
Agency has seized a further two vehicles in connection
with illegal waste dumping activities on land
in Dartford.
The Environment Agency’s new
Environmental Crime Team for Sussex, Kent, Hampshire
and Isle of Wight is now carrying out a detailed
investigation into the activities of the two vehicles.
Environment Agency Officers have been working
closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding
the investigation.
On Friday 21 April, a vehicle
was stopped in Bishopsgate, London and subsequently
seized following its potential involvement in
illegal waste activities at Dartford Marshes.
Whilst on route to seize this vehicle, the Environment
Agency received further information that the Metropolitan
Police stopped a further vehicle whilst carrying
out checks in Blackheath, south London.
Each vehicle has been taken
to a secure location and a full and thorough investigation
is currently ongoing. This follows the recent
seizure of another tipper lorry in Croydon that
was seen depositing waste in Dartford earlier
this month.
Dave Eden, Environmental Crime
Team Leader, said: "Following the seizure
of the tipper lorry in early April, we are now
investigating two further vehicles that we believe
are involved in illegal waste dumping activities
in Dartford.
"By working closely with
the Metropolitan Police we are now better prepared
than ever to tackle serious waste crime. By working
in partnership, we are sending out a clear message
to those who commit waste crimes that that their
activities will not be tolerated. We take reports
of waste crimes very seriously indeed and will
not hesitate to use our powers to stop and search
vehicles or sites where we suspect offences are
being committed."
The Environment Agency deals
with serious cases of flytipping such as hazardous
waste, large scale fly-tipping and where there
is evidence of organised gangs being involved.
Incidents such as these should be reported to
the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800
80 70 60. Smaller scale incidents such as abandoned
vehicles and litter should be reported to the
relevant local authority.
