Drones being used as flytipping becomes 'detrimental to farmers' mental health'
It's claimed the increasing levels of flytipping in West Country beauty spots is affecting some farmer's mental health
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
We've learnt Devon and Cornwall Police are increasingly using drones to catch fly-tippers, following a rise in waste being dumped at beauty spots.
Edward Humber, from the South West National Farmers' Union, tells us it's now such a problem it's affecting some farmer's mental health.
He said: "Across Devon there were 14,000 fly-tips reported last year. We know it goes under reported.
"It is determinantal on people's wellbeing and their mental health. These farmers are going along day after day after day, whether it's tyres, asbestos, it's just black bin liners full of rubbish.
"There's a farmer that had a load of tyres chucked into his field last Summer when they were just about to cut the corn.
"He couldn't go out with the combine so the impact on him delays the contractor, the process."
This week a a 'fake tip’ and environmental crime scene were set up to illustrate the problems fly tipping causes near to Yelverton.
The night before the event someone went and dumped items near to where the 'fake tip' was set up, highlighting the need for awareness.
The Devon and Cornwall Police drone surveillance team were involved to demonstrate the technology that can be used to track down tippers.
The event was supported by Clean Devon, which is a partnership of organisations working together to tackle litter and fly tipping across the county.
The group aims to share expertise and intelligence and work with local and national businesses, local town and parish councils and the Devon public to reduce litter and fly-tipping.