“Waste crime is far from a victimless offence,” was the message after a day of action across Burnley and Bacup on Thursday 23 July 2026. More than 35 officers took part, with the Environment Agency publishing the details on 30 July. (gov.uk)

The sweep brought together the Environment Agency, Lancashire Police, DVSA, Burnley Borough Council and HMRC. Teams stopped 28 waste vehicles, visited five suspected illegal waste sites and used an Environment Agency drone to back up checks on the ground. (gov.uk)

Lancashire Police also recovered a stolen telehandler worth about £25,000, two stolen vehicles, a stolen skip, a dumper truck and a trailer. Officers identified two previously unknown illegal waste sites as well, both now under investigation. (gov.uk)

For East Lancashire, the message was plain. John Neville said waste crime damages communities and undercuts firms that play by the rules, while Chief Inspector Philip Brown said the joint action was there to disrupt organised criminality and keep neighbourhoods safe. (gov.uk)

Burnley Borough Council said its enforcement officer joined roadside stops to check carriers had the right paperwork and were moving waste lawfully. The council said joint work like this helps single out rogue operators while backing legitimate firms. (gov.uk)

This is not the first sign of pressure on waste operators around Bacup. On 1 May 2026, the Environment Agency said a court order had blocked access to land at Hey Head Farm on Rochdale Road until 27 October 2026 while a criminal investigation into illegal waste activity continued. (gov.uk)

The latest sweep also sits inside Operation Unite, the Environment Agency’s 18-week national campaign. Announced on 24 July, it had already seen 42 sites inspected across England, 17 permits suspended or facing revocation, and more than 30 criminal investigations triggered. The agency is asking anyone with information to ring 0800 80 70 60 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. (gov.uk)