Bedford Borough Council’s Enviro Crime team has achieved several successful prosecutions at Luton Magistrates Court this November and December, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to tackling crimes against our local environment.
The cases saw offenders ordered to pay a combined total of more than £8,000 in fines, costs, and victim surcharges for offences including fly-tipping and vehicle abandonment across Bedford and Kempston. The prosecutions followed thorough investigations by the Council’s Enviro Crime team, using CCTV evidence, witness reports, and formal notices to hold perpetrators accountable.
Among those prosecuted were:
- Monika Rzepka, of Bedford – was found guilty in their absence and ordered to pay £1,952 after abandoning a vehicle in Beauchamp Court.
- Semo Asenov, of Bedford – was found guilty in their absence and ordered to pay £2,230 following the illegal dumping of 15 bags of waste in Battison Street.
- Emanuela Pavel, of Bedford – was found guilty in their absence and ordered to pay £1,880 after being identified by CCTV in relation to an illegally dumped bed base in Endsleigh Road.
- Subramaniam Mathy, of Kempston – was ordered to pay £1,336 after pleading guilty to fly-tipping waste in Queens Drive.
- Shila Chowdhury, of Bedford – pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay £563 after abandoning a vehicle in Gratton Road.
- Adela Stoica, of Bedford – was ordered to pay £536 after pleading guilty to fly-tipping a mattress and other household items in Chester Road.
These offences constitute serious breaches of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Environment Act 1995, and Refuse Disposal Amenity Act 1978 - laws designed to protect public health, neighbourhoods, and the environment.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said, “These prosecutions show that Bedford Borough Council will not hesitate to take action against those who disrespect our borough by dumping waste or abandoning vehicles. Fly-tipping is not only illegal - it damages our environment and spoils the places we’re all proud to call home. Our message is clear: think before you dump, because we will track you down and you will face the consequences.”
The Council also recognises the vital role that local residents play in helping to keep Bedford Borough clean. It’s thanks to people who report incidents and share information that the Enviro Crime team can identify offenders and take action. Working together, the Council and community are helping to make Bedford Borough greener and free from unnecessary waste. Residents can report fly-tipping at www.bedford.gov.uk/Fly-Tipping
Over the festive period, when more waste is generally created, residents are reminded of their householder duty of care. This means everyone is legally responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of correctly. Before paying anyone to take rubbish away, always check that they are a registered waste carrier. Unlicensed collectors may fly-tip waste illegally, leaving the householder facing a potential fine.
For those with real Christmas trees, the Council is offering free drop-off points across Bedford Borough in January 2026, where trees will be chipped and composted locally - helping reduce waste and return nutrients to the soil. Details and locations will be available soon.
Bedford Borough Council also offers competitive rates for commercial waste and recycling, cleansing, and grounds maintenance services. Details can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/commercialservices