EXTRA patrols and CCTV cameras are to be deployed in a major crackdown on flytipping.

Durham County Council has today (Monday, November 10) launched its biggest ever crackdown on the illegal waste dumping.

For the first time, Crimestoppers says it will be actively involved in tackling the problem as part of Operation Stop It campaign.

The authority has teamed up with Durham Police, Crimestoppers and the Environment Agency (EA) to target flytippers and ensure householders ensure their waste is disposed of properly.

They will remind householders that they are legally responsible for ensuring anyone they use to dispose of r household waste – including furniture, household appliances and building materials – is properly registered with the EA.

People can check online at www.gov.uk/find-registered-waste-carrier or by calling 03708 506 506.

Councillor Brian Stephens, of Durham County Council, said: “We’re asking residents to check where their waste will end up before they hand over their cash to a man with a van."

Ian Hoult, the county's neighbourhood protection manager, added: “We’re also reminding businesses, whether it’s a plumbing firm needing to get rid of boilers and baths or a joinery company needing to dispose of old kitchen units, that they must make sure they are registered and that they dispose of waste correctly.”

Extra CCTV cameras will be used in known flytipping areas while extra patrols will monitor waste carriers.

Dave Hunter, regional manager for Crimestoppers North East said: “This is the first time in the history of the charity Crimestoppers that we have actively been involved in tackling flytipping but the links to other aspects of organised crime are so strong that it is logical for us to be involved now”.

People can report flytipping by calling the council on 03000 26 1000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.