Bedford Borough Council has secured a series of prosecutions as part of its work to tackle environmental crime and protect local communities.
The Council’s Enviro Crime team obtained multiple convictions at Luton Magistrates’ Court in July 2026, with offenders ordered to pay more than £6,500 in fines, costs and victim surcharges.
Those prosecuted were:
- Bedford Fruit & Veg Limited, of High Street, Bedford, was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of £400, a victim surcharge of £160 and costs of £767. Following reports of commercial waste issues, the business was required to obtain a commercial waste bin and ensure it was not stored on the footpath. Although a bin was obtained, it remained on the footpath for several months despite repeated requests for it to be removed.
- La Pinata Ltd, of St Cuthbert Street, Bedford, was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of £400, a victim surcharge of £160 and costs of £1,666. Following reports of misuse of household waste bins and fly-tipping in Rush Court, officers served a notice requiring the company to produce documentation relating to the disposal of its commercial waste, which it failed to provide. Director Dilzar Miah was also ordered to pay a fine of £400 and a victim surcharge of £160 after failing to attend court.
- Sandy Miranda was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of £400, a victim surcharge of £176 and costs of £1,835. After a van-sized fly-tip was found in Dane Street, Bedford, officers identified that the waste had originated from Suadade café in Harpur Street. Miranda, the business owner, failed to assist the Council’s investigation.
The Council’s awarded costs help cover the expense of investigating offences and bringing cases to court. Fines are paid to central government, while victim surcharges help support national services for victims.
The latest convictions come as Bedford Borough Council publishes new CCTV images on www.bedford.gov.uk/CaughtOnCamera, can you support the Enviro Crime team by recognising these people?
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services, said, “These prosecutions show that Bedford Borough Council will not tolerate environmental crime. Fly-tipping and waste offences blight our communities, damage local pride and cost taxpayers money to clear up.
“We will continue to take robust action against offenders, while making it as easy as possible for residents and businesses to dispose of waste responsibly.”
Residents and businesses are reminded to dispose of waste properly. Extra household waste can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Barkers Lane, and bulky waste collections are available. Businesses must ensure they have lawful waste disposal arrangements in place.
Residents can report fly-tipping, fly-posting and other environmental crimes at www.bedford.gov.uk/ReportIt. Information about commercial waste services is available at www.bedford.gov.uk/CommercialServices.