Bedford Borough Council's Enviro Crime Team has successfully secured a 12-month custodial sentence for a man convicted of fly-tipping, following a determined investigation into waste dumping incidents at Foster Hill Road Cemetery, Bedford.
In the summer of 2022, the Enviro Crime Team deployed CCTV cameras at the cemetery after a series of fly-tipping incidents in the area, which were causing significant environmental damage and disrupting local residents.
On 1 July 2022 hazardous materials, including asbestos, were dumped in and around a burial skip. Footage retrieved from the CCTV cameras captured both a vehicle and a person responsible for the offence.
In a bid to identify the individual, images were released on the Council’s Caught on Camera webpage, appealing to the public for assistance.
An anonymous tip-off from a member of the public provided valuable information, and following further enquiries, the Enviro Crime Team identified the individual as Damien Barr. Barr was interviewed under caution and, during questioning, admitted to the offence of fly-tipping.
Given the severity of the crime, particularly the illegal disposal of hazardous waste, the case was referred to Luton Crown Court for sentencing. On 22 October 2024, Barr was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the offence.
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder Housing and Regulatory services said: "This case sends a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Bedford Borough. We take environmental crime seriously, and we are committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
"I would like to commend our Enviro Crime Team for their persistence and dedication in bringing this case to court. Their swift action, along with the valuable support of the public, helped ensure justice was served.
"The illegal dumping of waste, especially hazardous materials like asbestos, poses a significant risk to both public health and the environment. We will continue to use all available resources, including CCTV and public engagement, to tackle fly-tipping and protect our communities."
For further information on reporting environmental crimes or to view more cases on the Caught on Camera webpage, please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/Fly-Tipping.