16/09/2026
There has been a spate of serious and large scale flytippings of unprocessed waste over the summer in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. An offence has now been reported in Waverley, Surrey over the weekend of 12th/13th September, and it is reasonable to suggest they are linked. The offences are taking place overnight and generally over the weekend.
Offenders have used angle grinders/bolt croppers to remove padlocks or targeted accessible fields.
The Environment Agency have therefore put together the following advice for landowners and farmers in the South East area. Please do share it with any relevant people and/or groups.
Please share and report all similar incidents to the EA hotline 0800 80 70 60 and send all intelligence to [email protected] or report via crimestoppers anonymously.
SECURE LAND AND CHECK IT REGULARLY
1. Report Every Incident
• Less than 20 tonnes: Local Council /FixMyStreet.com (photos can be uploaded)
• Over 20 tonnes or industrial-scale dumping: Environment Agency Incident Hotline 0800 80 70 60
• Offenders on scene: Police 999
2. Secure Vehicle Access
• Lockable galvanised gates, anti-lift hinges and heavy-duty padlocks.
• Concrete blocks, sturdy barriers or tractor-placed boulders for unused entrances.
• Use hinge-side locks, anti-lift devices and tamper-proof padlocks.
3. Increase Visibility
• Trim hedges near entrances.
• Consider lighting where feasible.
4. Use Deterrent Signage
• Place signs at entrances and known hot spots.
• Include warnings about prosecution, vehicle seizure and CCTV monitoring.
5. Install CCTV
• Ensure cameras face entrances and capture number plates at night.
• Systems do not need to be expensive.
6. Regular Inspections
• Check empty land regularly.
7. Work With Neighbours
• Criminals often test multiple fields in an area.
• Coordinate signage and access control, so the whole lane appears high-risk to offenders.
• Consider a whatsapp group to share information.