Dashcam footage sought to catch Sonning fly tippers

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is appealing to drivers who may have dashcam footage of a major fly tipping incident in Sonning on Sunday (July 23) morning.

The anti-social behaviour team is asking for anyone with information to contact them after a large metal container was dumped in a layby along the A4 on the Reading-bound side of the road near Sonning.

The crime wasn’t reported until Wednesday, July 26, but locals living near to the site believe it appeared between the hours of 2am and 11.30am Sunday morning.

Inside is what looks like garden debris and general rubbish. The exterior, however, is unlike some containers and has been painted to give a trompe d’oeil effect suggesting it was once situated permanently in a space to 'blend-in' with trees or greenery.

Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment, sport and leisure, at WBC said:

“On Wednesday night (July 26) we received a report of a large fly tip on A4 Sonning on the Reading bound side.

“The team went to investigate yesterday (Thursday 27 July) and found a large container filled to the brim with waste. Based on information from residents, we believe it was dumped between seven to ten days ago.

“We are appealing to anyone with information, for example dashcam footage, to come forward and help us identify the culprit so that they can be prosecuted. Prosecution would lead to us recouping the cost of the removal, as well as an unlimited fine or up to 12 months in prison.

“Not only is this unsightly, it is likely to cost upwards of £10k to remove, eating into an already stretched council budget.

“We are unable to comment further at present as this is an ongoing investigation, but anyone with any information that could help us should email asb@wokingham.gov.uk.”