Cameras used to stop fly tipping

Footage will be used to catch fly tippers

Hi-tech surveillance equipment is being used in a crackdown on fly tipping.

South Tyneside Council is working with security designers Universal Systems Solutions to catch those responsible.

The council said last year about 1,671 tonnes of abandoned waste was dumped across the borough and the cost of cleaning it up wastes taxpayers' money.

The equipment is made up of two briefcase-sized boxes, one with a camera and the other containing recording equipment.

It means council staff will no longer have to trawl through hours of CCTV footage because the software automatically lists the times that the camera detected movement.

Council lead member for environment Councillor Jim Sewell said: "Last year, approximately 1,671 tonnes of abandoned waste was dumped across the borough.

"This waste is not only unattractive and unpleasant for residents and visitors to the borough, but it also can be potentially hazardous in nature and costs the taxpayer a significant amount, which could be spent on more worthwhile causes.

"This new surveillance equipment is a vital weapon in our fight against this enviro-crime."