Secret spy camera captures fly-tipper at makeshift tip

Secret cameras have caught a fly-tipper red-handed as he dumped carpets and cardboard at a makeshift rubbish tip in the West Midlands.

The secretly-filmed footage comes as authorities step up their operations against people who blight fields, grass verges and waste land in the region.

A network of cameras have been set up by council investigators across the region to catch fly-tippers in the act.

In the latest case this week, the driver of a people carrier takes three loads of rubbish to the side of the road in Wolverhampton.

The footage shows him looking around to make sure he is not being watched before returning to his Toyota Previa and driving off.

At one point another car pulls up with a Christmas tree hanging out of an open boot, only to pull away when the driver sees the people carrier.

The rubbish was dumped at a location in Heath Town that was today being kept secret in order to protect the covert camera.

Wolverhampton City Council, which has set up a string of secret cameras, revealed today it received 350 to 400 calls about fly-tipping each month. The problem costs Midland councils millions of pounds a year and anyone convicted faces an unlimited fine or up to five years jail.

The council today appealed for help in finding the offender, who was driving a distinctive vehicle with branding on its sides and bonnet.

Councillor Barry Findlay, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: ""In the last year there have been over 5,000 instances of fly tipping reported on council land in Wolverhampton alone, which has been removed at a cost of £370,000.

"Fly tipping will not be tolerated by the council."

The footage, released by the council today, was captured at around 8.30pm on Monday. The covert cameras can be attached to buildings and even tree branches. Wolverhampton is not saying how many of the cameras it has.

Anyone who recognises the driver should call the council on 01902 555184.