Hambleton council chiefs say fly-tipping from illegal cannabis farms is costing tax-payers in the district “tens of thousands of pounds” every year.
North Yorkshire Police are increasing patrols and urging victims to come forward as part of an operation to clamp down on cannabis farm fly-tipping in the county.
The issue has become an increasing problem, particularly in the Hambleton district.
Police say they are working closely with local authorities to deal with the illegal dumping of waste associated with cannabis production.
Selfish criminals have been abandoning the remains of ‘cannabis farms’ in rural locations in the county, leaving local authorities and landowners to foot the bill and clear up their mess.
The rubbish can include lamps, wiring, air filters, tubs of fertiliser and dead plants.
Earlier this year, police surveyed more than 75 farmers and landowners in North Yorkshire about fly-tipping – ten of whom reported having cannabis waste dumped on their land within the last 12 months.
One respondent said the remains of cannabis farms were being fly-tipped on their land every couple of months.
In response, North Yorkshire Police are increasing patrols, particularly in remote, rural areas. Tactics include stopping and checking suspicious vehicles, as well as using CCTV and ANPR technology to identify offenders.
Warning signs are available to landowners to deter fly-tippers from targeting their land, and Rural Watch groups – who use WhatsApp to share information about suspicious activity with North Yorkshire Police – are being given information on what to look out for.
PC Gemma Mumby, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Fly-tipping causes disruption to farmers and rural businesses, blights our countryside, and is hazardous to wildlife and public health.
“Criminals involved in cannabis production see fly-tipping as an easy way to dump their waste, so it’s only by working together that we can stop them.
“It’s really important that all incidents of fly-tipping are reported to the local authority. We work closely with councils, and forensic opportunities in cannabis waste could give us the chance to identify both fly-tippers and drug dealers.”
Hambleton District Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson, said: “The illegal dumping of cannabis farm and other waste across Hambleton is not only an unsightly blight on the landscape, it costs our council taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds a year.
“We work closely with North Yorkshire Police to provide evidence of farms and individuals, so that hopefully these criminals can be brought to justice.”
Residents, businesses and landowners are being urged to be vigilant, and always report fly-tipping to their local authority. This will allow action to be taken against those responsible, and stop them fly-tipping in the future.
Fly-tipping should be reported to your local council, via www.gov.uk/report-flytipping
Anyone with information about suspected cannabis production should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. You can also pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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