Members of the public have told the police during recent engagement events that they'd like to see more being done to tackle fly-tipping across Hertfordshire.

As a result, a countywide operation, led by the Rural Operational Support Team, (ROST) took place last week, to ensure that those carrying waste were doing so legally.

Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers set up checkpoints in their local areas and stopped commercial vehicles throughout the early evening, to check for waste, waste carrier licenses and waste transfer notices.

Sergeant Alex Winning, from ROST, said: "Feedback from farmers during our recent series of Barn Meets, and from members of the public via our Herts Connected community messaging system, has highlighted fly-tipping as a real concern across the county.

"Fly-tipping is not only an eyesore, but it can be hazardous to health and create a dangerous environment for walkers, road users and wildlife. There is also a significant cost to both the taxpayer and landowners to remove fly-tips.

"Around 70 vehicles were stopped during the operation, with words of advice given, referrals being made to local councils and traffic offences being dealt with.

"These operations will continue, to ensure we're doing all we can to support our hardworking famers and target those who commit crime in Hertfordshire."

If you come across a fly-tip, please report it to your local council. If you witness fly-tipping in progress, dial 999 straight away.

Join the 'Herts Connected' community messaging service to keep up to date with what's happening in your local area. You can set your preferences to receive police messages, as well as updates from Neighbourhood Watch, Action Fraud and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Sign up for free at hertsconnected.co.uk.