Clamp down on cannabis farm fly-tipping in North Yorkshire
Farmers and landowners have reported materials dumped on their land.
Police are increasing patrols as part of an operation into tackling cannabis farm fly-tipping in North Yorkshire.
The rubbish can include lamps, wiring, air filters, tubs of fertiliser and dead plants.
Earlier this year, police surveyed more than 75 farmers and landowners in North Yorkshire about fly-tipping – ten of whom reported having cannabis waste dumped on their land within the last 12 months. One respondent said the remains of cannabis farms were being fly-tipped on their land every couple of months.
In response, North Yorkshire Police are increasing patrols, particularly in remote, rural areas. Tactics include stopping and checking suspicious vehicles, as well as using CCTV and ANPR technology to identify offenders.
PC Gemma Mumby, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Fly-tipping causes disruption to farmers and rural businesses, blights our countryside, and is hazardous to wildlife and public health.
“Criminals involved in cannabis production see fly-tipping as an easy way to dump their waste, so it’s only by working together that we can stop them.
“It’s really important that all incidents of fly-tipping are reported to the local authority. We work closely with councils, and forensic opportunities in cannabis waste could give us the chance to identify both fly-tippers and drug dealers.”
Hambleton District Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson, said: “The illegal dumping of cannabis farm and other waste across Hambleton is not only an unsightly blight on the landscape, it costs our council taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds a year.
“We work closely with North Yorkshire Police to provide evidence of farms and individuals, so that hopefully these criminals can be brought to justice.”
Residents, businesses and landowners are being urged to be vigilant, and always report fly-tipping to their local authority. This will allow action to be taken against those responsible, and stop them fly-tipping in the future.