In recent years groups of trespassers engaging in organised events of mass fly-tipping, often involving 1-2 caravans and sometimes as many as 10-20 have been operating Essex.
These groups follow a specific pattern:
- They target privately owned warehouses, land, or car parks, often listed online for sale or lease.
- Gaining access through illegal means, they threaten violence, cut locks, break doors, and secure the site with their own locks and barricades.
- The occupied site is then used for illegal waste dumping, mixing commercial and domestic refuse.
- Once the site is completely filled with waste, they move on to the next location.
The result is a significant financial and operational impact for the landowners.
Despite raising awareness of this issue, due to police and other authorities having limited resources often means landowners receive minimal support when faced with these situations.
With a proven track record, Essex Bailiff’s strategy of rapid intervention ensures these groups do not have extended periods to conduct their illegal activities; this limits the potential for adverse financial and environmental consequences.
These groups are known to use extreme violence to maintain control of trespassed land, prioritising their lucrative fly-tipping operations. They will not hesitate to employ violent tactics to resist eviction. These include barricading themselves in buildings, using vehicles as weapons, throwing projectiles, and securing gates with their own padlocks and chains to prevent access. Make no mistake, tackling these groups requires careful preparation and adequate resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is fly-tipping, and why is it a problem?
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste on land without permission from the landowner. It poses environmental hazards, attracts vermin, and can lead to costly clean-up operations. Additionally, it creates an eyesore and can reduce property values.
2 Can bailiffs be used to evict fly-tippers from private property?
Yes, bailiffs can be employed to evict fly-tippers if they have occupied private property without permission. This may involve obtaining a court order authorising their removal. Bailiffs can also often act under Common law to ensure the eviction is conducted promptly and professionally.
3 Can CCTV be used to catch fly-tippers?
Yes, CCTV can be an effective tool for identifying and deterring fly-tippers. However, you must comply with data protection laws, such as the UK’s GDPR or similar regulations in your region. Ensure that cameras are positioned appropriately, and display signs indicating CCTV surveillance.
4 Who is responsible for clearing fly-tipped waste?
On public land, the local council is typically responsible for waste removal. However, on private land, the landowner bears the responsibility for clearing the waste. Sometimes, this can run into thousands of pounds.
5 How can I prevent fly-tipping on my property?
Preventive measures include:
- Securing your property with gates or fences.
- Installing motion-sensor lighting and CCTV cameras.
- Displaying clear signs warning against illegal dumping and outlining penalties.
- Regularly checking and maintaining your property to deter offenders
Essex Bailiffs are committed to protecting our clients and their properties with a raft of security measures available. If the worst happens and fly-tippers get onto your land, we can deal with the situation swiftly and successfully even the most challenging cases.