Stay vigilant: Members encouraged to check land regularly after high-profile waste incidents

Fly-tipping and waste crime are consistently one of the most impactful crime types for CLA members, either through the repetition and time/disposal costs of small scale deposits or the major impacts following an incident.

It is critical that large issues are reported at the earliest opportunity, and in order to disrupt this type of activity someone needs to keep a watchful eye on vulnerable sites.

A vulnerable site could be as simple as a gateway on a quiet lane, or a byway entrance, however land that is adjacent to a busy road network is also extremely vulnerable, especially if the visibility from other routes is protected through its topography or landscaping.

Waste crime is high reward, low risk and highly organised. Waste has been baled to imitate silage before being stored in vacant farm buildings, with no threat of discovery.

Recent incidents, including the nationally reported Kidlington fly-tip, Hoads Wood in Kent and an ongoing case in Merseyside, highlight a concerning trend: large-scale illegal waste dumping occurring adjacent to major transport routes, often concealed in plain sight.

Key risk factors:

• Sites located next to major roads (motorways and A-roads).
• Earthworks or land clearance without clear signage or explanation.
• Remote or concealed areas with easy vehicle access.

It is important to check land regularly, ensuring gateways are locked (or even better blocked) to deter unauthorised access. If you own parcels of land that are located some distance from your main holding or residence, try to ensure that the land is visited regularly. An unkempt seemingly abandoned holding or set of farm buildings will attract unwanted attention.

Following the recent incident at Kidlington, Thames Valley Police has been briefed to look out for the following signs while on their patrols:

1. Unusual earthworks

• Fresh soil movement, excavation, or levelling near major roads.
• Lack of official signage or contractor branding.

1. Suspicious vehicle activity

• Large goods vehicles, tipper trucks, or skips entering secluded areas.
• Repeated visits to the same location, especially at odd hours.

1. Signs of waste accumulation

• Piles of rubble, soil, or mixed waste appearing suddenly.
• Evidence of burning or attempts to conceal waste.

It is important that land owners and communities do the same, and report any suspicious activity to the police. logging any vehicle details, timings, location (using What 3 Words) and photos.