Police have seen an increase in the number of reports of fly tipping on farmland near Hitchin.

Officers from the Hitchin Rural Neighbourhood team have stepped up patrols in the area and are asking the local community to be vigilant and report vehicles they see acting suspiciously in the area.

Small lanes off the A505 between Lilley and Hitchin, often used as cut throughs, are popular with fly tippers.

Recent fly tips have been discarded over fencing into fields, causing crop damage and high clean-up costs for local farmers. Fly tipping can also contaminate land in the long term, injure and even kill livestock and wildlife.

Herts Police said: "Have you noticed vehicles loitering in the area, perhaps the occupants seem uncomfortable when they become aware of your presence? If so let us know.

"Report online or call 101 to provide information and help us build intelligence around the vehicles involved.

"Make an anonymous report via Crimestoppers or call 999 if you witness fly tipping in progress."

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