Insurers warn landowners to protect themselves against fly-tippers this winter

A RURAL insurance company has warned landowners in the south west to take extra steps to protect themselves against fly-tipping this winter, as Wiltshire figures rise by more than a third.

Shocking figures from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reveal that fly-tipping in Wiltshire rose by 32.5 per cent over the pandemic.

In 2019/20, there were 2,823 recorded instances of the crime in the Wiltshire Council area – a figure which dramatically rose to 3,742 in 2020/21.

Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, of rural insurance broker Lycetts said, “Fly-tipping is an unwelcome blight on our countryside and can represent far more than an inconvenience to victims of the crime.

“Incidents not only pose significant environmental and human health risks, but also a legal and financial burden for farmers and landowners. 

“Although local authorities will usually pay the clean-up costs of clearing waste from public land, the responsibility for removing waste from private land falls squarely at the feet of the landowners. If they fail to do so, they can face prosecution.”

DEFRA data also shows that across the region that 55,162 fly-tipping incidents were recorded in 2020/21, up from 50,506 in the previous 12 months. 

Wailes-Fairbairn pointed out that environmental criminals can be more inclined to act under cover of darkness and that councils will often see a surge of incidents in January as people look to dispose of post festive waste, including Christmas trees. 

“For those at risk of being targeted during these dark winter evenings, extra vigilance and a review of security measures is prudent,” he added. 

“Prevention is better than cure and steps should be taken to ensure access to land and fields is restricted, where possible, with physical barriers. 

“Gates should be locked when not in use and although witnesses of fly-tipping incidents should not approach the perpetrators, by cutting back hedges and installing exterior lighting, visibility for the landowner can be notably improved. The installation of security cameras can also act as a deterrent and help in securing successful prosecutions.”

“Local authorities across the country have seen an increase in fly tipping during national lockdowns and since the start of the pandemic,” said the Wiltshire Council cabinet member for Streetscene, Mark McClelland. “Household Recycling Centres in Wiltshire were affected to ensure compliance with restrictions on movement and social distancing.

“Even with such restrictions, it did not excuse those who conducted such criminal acts such as fly tipping their waste. Much of the increase was down to unscrupulous rogue traders who were collecting waste on a commercial scale and tipping across the countryside. 60 per cent of the reports in Wiltshire were related to rogue traders who dumped waste in our rural areas.

“Fly tipping in Wiltshire is now reducing as we are working hard to combat this criminal act. When comparing April 2020 – Dec 2020 to April 2021 – Dec 2021, fly tipping has reduced by 22 per cent or 557 reports. This downward trend is welcomed and it is hoped that everyone is mindful of their own duty of care to the environment and to manage their waste lawfully. In particular, to be cautious in not giving their waste to rogues traders and checking/retaining credentials of those offering services.”