Nearly £15,000 has been spent by Bromley Council on hiring private eyes to try and catch fly-tippers, it can be revealed.

Sleuths are often used by councils to stalk potential litterbugs, and in Bromley they’ve been employed three times since 2015.

In figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, it has emerged three “covert fly-tipping operations” have been carried out at £4,800 a go.

None of the investigations have led to a prosecution, but the council said it serves as a reminder that would-be dumpers are being watched.

Councillor Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, said: “It is already a matter of public record that the council investigates fly-tipping incidences and we will and do use all means at our disposal, including CCTV and surveillance.

“Our campaign ‘we’re watching you’ literally reminds those who may be tempted that they are at risk of being seen and prosecuted as this fly-tipping is a dangerous and costly menace, with money often being made by the fly-tippers.

“Often quiet locations are targeted, making the whole business of catching someone quite difficult.

“The specialist surveillance teams have been used to cover fairly wide and extensive areas and unfortunately, prosecutions have not resulted so far as we need to have incontrovertible evidence for the courts but we will persist and continue looking at all the options.

“We’re grateful for the support of residents in this and remind them to check they use licensed waste carriers who are bona fide.”

It comes after shocking pictures revealed the extent of one fly-tipping incident in Star Lane in Orpington.

Mountains of rubbish encroached onto the road, and the council said big dumps like this cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up.

Neighbouring Croydon Council has spent upwards of £30,000 since 2014 on detectives to crack down on fraud.