Wiltshire Council is thanking a vigilant member of the public whose actions helped identify an offender responsible for a fly-tipping incident near Great Bedwyn.

Earlier this year, a local farmer became suspicious after seeing a flatbed vehicle travelling through Marten carrying waste items, including a silver-coloured fridge and a small sofa or armchair. The farmer’s partner photographed the vehicle, clearly capturing both the vehicle and the waste being transported. Concerned the items may be unlawfully dumped, the photograph was shared with local farmers and residents to make them aware of the vehicle.

The following day, the same items were discovered fly-tipped at the entrance to a field.

Thanks to the photographic evidence and witness statement provided, the council’s Environmental Enforcement Team was able to identify the vehicle’s registered keeper and the person insured to drive it at the time of the offence.

During an interview under caution, the vehicle’s registered keeper denied responsibility for the fly-tipping and claimed the vehicle had been sold. However, no evidence was provided to support that claim despite being given the opportunity to do so.

As a result of the investigation, the person was issued with a £1,000 fixed penalty notice (FPN) for fly-tipping, which was later paid in full.

As part of the council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign, the resident who provided the crucial evidence that helped secure enforcement action will receive a £100 high street voucher as a reward.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Street Scene and Flooding, said: “This case demonstrates how valuable information from local residents can be in helping us tackle fly-tipping. Thanks to the vigilance of one member of the public, our officers were able to identify an offender and take swift enforcement action.

“Fly-tipping is a crime that damages our environment, blights our countryside and costs taxpayers money. We are committed to taking action against offenders and would encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to report it to us.”

The council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign encourages residents, landowners and businesses to report fly-tipping and other environmental offences. The campaign offers rewards to people who provide information that leads to successful enforcement action, such as fixed penalty notices and prosecutions.

Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping should, if it is safe to do so, record as much information as possible, including vehicle registration numbers, descriptions of people involved, locations, dates and times. Photographs and video footage can be particularly valuable in helping council officers investigate incidents. Members of the public should never approach or challenge suspected offenders, or put themselves at risk in any way.

Fly-tipping can be reported online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping, where residents can upload photographs and provide information to support investigations.