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Several raids have been carried out at waste management sites near Dartford following concerns raised over suspected illegal activity.
Workers at Darent Industrial Estate in Erith received a surprise early morning visit as Environment Agency officers swooped on 14 separate sites.
The raids led to the discovery of a suspected stolen vehicle and stolen metal and cables were also recovered.
Officers found someone living illegally on a site which prompted concerns over health and safety in the event of a fire.
The multi-site visit, which was carried out with the assistance of the Met Police, HSE, Bexley Council and other partners all wearing PPE, also uncovered a series of incidents of poor compliance with waste permits.
Further investigations will now take place and appropriate action decided to improve compliance at the sites, which could include enforcement action.
The raid forms part of a number of multi-agency days of action targeting poor performing businesses in the Kent and South London area.
Investigations will now follow and appropriate action will be taken to improve compliance and the state of the sites, which could include enforcement action.
If convicted as a result of legal action, those responsible could face extensive fines and even prison sentences.
Matt Higginson, environment manager for the Environment Agency, said: “It’s our job to protect people and nature even in these uncertain times, which is why our regulatory and enforcement work continues while we adhere to the government’s guidelines around coronavirus.
“This should serve as a warning to those who would flout the law that we and our partners are still fighting to put a stop to waste crime and we won’t hesitate to take action”.
To help avoid your waste ending up at an illegal waste site you are encouraged to ask for your waste collector’s waste carrier’s registration number and ask to see their waste transfer note.
Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to the Environment Agency's 24-hour hotline by calling 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can check your waste collectors waste carriers registration here or call 03708 506 506.
