An operation to target waste crime has been held in north and West Cumbria.
Cumberland Council said it had received a significant number of complaints and intelligence reports relating to waste movements and associated criminal activity.
During the 2025/26 financial year, waste crime was estimated to have cost local authorities around £19.3 million. In the same reporting period, more than 52,000 incidents were recorded nationally, representing an 11 per cent increase compared with the previous year.
Cumberland Council worked with Cumbria Constabulary and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on an intelligence‑led operation in the area.
Vehicles capable of carrying waste were targeted, with officers stopping and directing selected vehicles to a designated inspection area for further checks.
Vehicles and drivers brought into the inspection area underwent checks, including:
- The type and condition of waste being transported
- Waste carrier registration and transfer documentation
- Driver licensing and compliance checks
- Vehicle safety inspections
- DVSA compliance checks
