Mobile CCTV cameras have been installed at flytipping hotspots in a crackdown on waste-related crime.

The three new cameras will be deployed across Sittingbourne and Sheppey which has some of the highest levels of fly-tipping across the county.

They were put up in Roman Square in Sittingbourne on June 15 and in Unity Street and James Street in Sheerness on July 15.

They can be moved to other locations when there are spikes in waste-related crime.

The authority received £32,900 in funding from the government’s Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to pay for the cameras. It says it will monitor the cameras constantly in order to build up evidence and catch repeat offenders.

The grant will also be used to buy additional CCTV cameras, which act as a deterrent to fly-tippers.

It will also fund a campaign to promote households’ responsibility and duty of care when disposing of their waste.

A mobile joint operation between Kent Police’s Rural Taskforce and the council will also benefit from additional funding.

This work – known as Op Assist – stops suspected fly-tippers, gathers evidence and takes enforcement action for waste-related crimes.

In March the council announced it would be increasing waste-related fixed penalty notices to a maximum of £1,000.

Cllr Rich Lehmann, chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, says the cameras will act as a “visual deterrent” as well as helping capture evidence to take repeat offenders to court.

He added: “Since being installed we haven’t had any fly-tipping at the monitored sites, which is a great sign as people are seeing the warnings and thinking twice before breaking the law.

“We are committed to tackling this issue and, by increasing the maximum charge for FPNs, want to send a strong message to fly-tippers.

“It costs the council, and ultimately the taxpayer, considerable amounts of money to clean up after the selfish individuals who are using our alleys and countryside as their dumping ground.

“It is important that everyone makes sure their waste is disposed of correctly, if fly-tipped waste is linked back to you, you could also be facing a fine.

“If we work together, we can stop the waste getting into the hands of fly-tippers. Please make sure the companies or individuals you are paying to remove your waste have the appropriate license and that you get a waste transfer note.”

Householders or small businesses found to be using criminals to dispose of their waste can be and are being prosecuted by local authorities with fixed penalty notices. Failure to pay these fines can result in court action where fines can be significantly larger.

To prevent this, householders should check whether someone is licenced to carry waste by visiting the Environment Agency website or calling 03708 506506.

It also helps if householders receive a written receipt or transfer note, including contact details, a description of the waste removed and details of where the waste is being taken to.

People can check what can be disposed of via the Kent County Council website.