ELDC - ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ sees local council and partners work together to tackle enviro crime in East Lindsey
Tuesday 29 July 2025
‘Operation Clean Sweep’ sees local council and partners work together to tackle enviro crime in East Lindsey
Earlier this month, East Lindsey District Council worked proactively with partner agencies in a joint effort dubbed Operation Clean Sweep to tackle illegal waste carriers and prevent fly-tipping.
Taking place on Thursday 10 July, the operation included partners from the Environment Agency, Lincolnshire Police, Driving Standards Agency (DVSA) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The team’s efforts which were spread across two locations – Horncastle and Swaby, led to more than twenty vehicles being stopped and inspected, four prohibition notices, one advisory notice, seven police orders and a number of fines being issued.
Additionally, an illegal waste carrier operating out of West Lindsey was stopped in what appeared to be the preparations for a fly-tipping offence, details were collected and passed over to West Lindsey District Council to investigate accordingly.
Councillor Martin Foster, Portfolio holder for Operational Services, said: “Operation Clean Sweep was a great success and I thank all those involved in its planning and execution – this sends a clear message to offenders and would-be offenders alike; we will not tolerate enviro crime in East Lindsey.
“Enviro crime is not victimless, it damages our wonderful countryside, harms our local communities and undercuts all the many legitimate businesses that operate within the law. Actions like Operation Clean Sweep are a clear deterrent and I am looking forward to seeing our officers deliver more of the same results in the weeks and months ahead.”
Stuart Hoyle, Environment Agency Waste Crime Engagement Specialist at the Environment Agency, said: “Large scale waste crime and fly-tipping can only happen through the use of vehicles, which is why operations such as Clean Sweep are vital for tackling waste crime.
Last week’s operation uncovered illegal waste transport, prevented offences and gathered intelligence to aid future investigations. This is only possible with the collaboration of partners, so I would like to thank all Lincolnshire Environmental Crime Partnership agencies for their excellent work on a very hot day”
Residents that suspect illegal waste activities are urged to use the Environment agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or contact the council’s Environmental Health team at Environmental.Crime@e-lindsey.gov.uk.