Swadlincote Police are to work with South Derbyshire District Council to stop waste being dumped illegally in the region.

Police patrols are to be increased in a bid to stop beauty spots and farmlands being ruined.

The police say they will work with the South Derbyshire District Council Environmental Health team to secure convictions against all those who commit these offences - both criminals and house owners who dump waste where they should not.

And their warning is a clear one: 'We will arrest and prosecute you. We will seize your vehicles'.

Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team have posted details of their plans on social media.

The post reads: "Man with a van, if not fully licensed with the Environment Agency to carry waste, commits an offence as does the house/business owner who hired them.

"The public have a duty as an occupier of a domestic property to take reasonable steps to secure the transfer of waste to an authorised person.

"If you fail to do this you could end up with a hefty fine, court costs and a criminal conviction.

"If the price is too good to be true from someone offering a service to remove your rubbish, ask yourself the following; Where is the rubbish going to be disposed of? And am I committing an offence?

"Fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 - or 12-months imprisonment - if convicted in a Magistrates' Court.

"The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.

"We will arrest and prosecute you. We will seize your vehicles.

"PLEASE LET'S KEEP SOUTH DERBYSHIRE CLEAN TOGETHER.

"If you have any information in relation to waste being dumped illegally please contact South Derbyshire District Council, phone 01283 22100 or message the council via Facebook."