Cars seized after fly-tippers caught in the act in Elstree

Police volunteer Special Sergeant Simon Winters was on patrol on the A41 near Elstree when he came across two people dumping waste.

A silver Volkswagen Passat was pictured full of cardboard and shopping baskets, while land next to the parked vehicles was piled with rubbish including tyres.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the Passat and a blue Toyota Prius was seized under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act, and fines were also issued to the drivers.

The boot of the Volkswagen Passat. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Anyone who witnesses flytipping is asked to call 999 and ask for police. Police say if possible, a witness should take down the registration number of the vehicle involved and descriptions of the suspects. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph of the incident.

Special Sergeant Winters is just one of many volunteers who give up their time to help police the streets of Hertfordshire.

Police say Specials come from all walks of life and volunteer their spare time for a minimum of 16 hours a month. They are highly trained and play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime and keeping the communities of Hertfordshire safe.

In his day job, Special Sergeant Winters is the chief executive officer of an international charity foundation.

Special Superintendent Mike Allardyce said: "Fly-tipping poses a threat to people’s health and to wildlife. It damages our environment and spoils our enjoyment of our towns and countryside, it is also costly for landowners to clear”.

"This is a great result by Special Sergeant Winters and highlights the fantastic impact that the Special Constabulary makes to policing in Hertfordshire.

"If you’re thinking about giving something back to the community, why not volunteer your time as a Special Constable? Visit www.hertspolicespecials.co.uk to find out more."