Illegal waste dumpers are being warned they are likely to be caught and fined in a new crackdown as new CCTV detects two offenders.

In the two months since West Devon Borough Council installed temporary surveillance cameras at known fly-tipping hotspots, the rubbish dumpers and an incident of arson have been captured on camera.

The evidence from the CCTV will support the council's enforcement activity and help identify those responsible for illegally dumping waste. The council said investigations are continuing into the evidence.

The council promises to take ‘all possible action’ against those caught fly-tipping, including on-the-spot fines up to £5,000, or taking offenders to court, potentially leading to an unlimited fine.

Cllr Adam Bridgewater, council member for neighbourhood services, said: “I’m really happy to hear of the early success of the scheme. Fly-tipping is a blight on our landscape and affecting communities. Beautiful countryside is spoiled, precious wildlife threatened. Money spent clearing up fly-tips could be better spent on other local services.

“Cameras helped gather evidence and identify those responsible. The footage is invaluable in supporting enforcement action. We still rely on information from residents, so I encourage anyone witnessing fly-tipping or discovers dumped waste to report it. Working together, we can keep West Devon clean, protect our natural environment and make our communities places to be proud of."

All surveillance is deployed in accordance with data protection legislation and footage will only be used for legitimate enforcement purposes.

Household waste can be disposed through local recycling centres, authorised waste carriers, or council collection services. Anyone using a private waste contractor should ensure that they are licensed, as householders can be held responsible if their waste is fly‑tipped.

Before using a private waste contractor, residents are advised to check the following: a valid waste carrier licence number, the contractor’s vehicle registration number and a completed waste transfer notice.

Residents can report waste tipping on West Devon Borough Council’s website at www.westdevon.gov.uk/report-it