A joint waste crime enforcement operation was undertaken on Monday, July 18, to reduce the impact of environmental and rural crime across Tewkesbury Borough.

The Tewkesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Environment Agency and environmental health officers from Tewkesbury Borough Council conducted roadside checks on over 20 commercial vehicles to ensure stolen items were not being carried and that the correct waste carriers' authorisation was in place.

As a result, three individuals will be subject to further enquiries, including one who was found to be operating a business without the necessary licence.

This follows similar successful operations undertaken in 2018 and 2021.

Councillor Jim Mason, lead member for clean and green environment at Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "I'm really pleased that our environmental health team has once again been working with Gloucestershire Constabulary on a special operation to reduce environmental crime across Tewkesbury Borough.

"Due to the rural nature of our borough, I know our residents feel passionately about the harmful effects of environmental crime, so they will be reassured to hear about the success of this operation.

"We are committed to partnering with the constabulary in the future to build on what's already been achieved and to further reduce the impact of waste crime on our local communities."

It is a requirement for those who transport waste, for themselves or on behalf of others, to hold a waste carriers' licence. Businesses can register for a licence or find out more.