Police working with a number of other official bodies have carried out an operation targeting illegal waste carriers in Bexley.

Officers stopped 21 waste-carrying vehicles out in the borough, and say they have issued two penalty notices, plus are considering enforcement action against a further seven individuals or businesses.

Led by the Environmental Agency, the teams were tasked with inspecting vehicles to check they had a valid waste carrier's licence.

Matt Higginson, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: "This should serve as a warning to those who would flout the law that we and our partners are still fighting to put a stop to waste crime and we won’t hesitate to take action.

"To help avoid giving your waste to an illegal waste carrier and your waste ending up at an illegal waste site, we encourage you to ask for your waste collector’s waste carrier’s registration number and ask to see their waste transfer note, they must be able to produce both. We also encourage people to avoid paying in cash."

Th agency's officers worked with the London Borough of Bexley, the Met Police and Openreach on the operation.

And the Environment Agency and its partners stopped 21 vehicles carrying waste. They issued two fixed penalty notices for non compliance and are considering further enforcement action for seven businesses or individuals who also weren’t compliant with the regulations.

The Environmental Agency said joint investigations will continue and if convicted, those responsible could face extensive fines and even prison sentences.

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity is reminded to report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline by calling 0800 80 70 60, or anonymously contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.