Disguising rubbish as hay bales is one tactic being used by criminals aiming to dupe East Anglian landowners into 'storing' illegal waste on their property, warned the Environment Agency (EA).

Eastern Daily Press: Landowners have been warned not to be duped into storing illegal waste on their land. Pictured: Abandoned tyres. Picture: Environment Agency.Landowners have been warned not to be duped into storing illegal waste on their land. Pictured: Abandoned tyres. Picture: Environment Agency. (Image: Environment Agency)

Rural businesses are being targeted by individuals looking for opportunities to dispose of waste by dumping it in warehouses, industrial units and open spaces

The EA said they can be 'very convincing' in persuading landowners to allow them to use their properties, and are able to fill sites with waste which could cost the victim hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear.

Landowners were urged to use reputable agents and brokers, and carry out suitable checks before allowing potential criminals to use buildings or property.

Kevin Rutterford, environment manager at the EA, said: 'It's crucial that all businesses understand their duty of care responsibilities for the waste they produce, who they allow to transport it and ultimately where it goes.

'Too often, when these responsibilities are misunderstood or ignored, we see the impact of waste crime where waste is deliberately dumped on land with no permit. This can cause serious pollution, put communities at risk and undermines legitimate businesses that are doing the right thing.

'Even if the landowner has no involvement, legally they may still be responsible for that waste and that could mean a large clear up bill.'

Waste stored inappropriately can create issues pest, odour, public health and environmental issues, with a high risk of fires due to incorrect storage.

Survey statistics released by the Right Waste Right Place campaign show agricultural businesses and rural landowners are bearing the brunt of waste crime.

More than a third of those in the East of England (39pc) have suffered incidents of fly-tipping on their land in the past three years with almost half (48pc) disposing of the waste themselves at their own cost.

The EA said prosecutions in recent years include a man who was sentenced to prison for dumping hundreds of thousands of tyres at sites he had leased across the country, including in Norfolk and Essex, which he failed to clear.

The agency warned that individuals involved in illegal dumping of waste can be hostile, and advised the public to avoid any direct contact with suspected culprits.

Anyone suspecting any illegal activity, or who has been approached about storing such waste can contact the Environment Agency's 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.