DUMPED household goods were discovered in Haldon Forest but the items were staged as a ‘fake’ fly tip to raise awareness of the problem.

The beauty spot is a magnet for fly tippers and the operation included a chair, mattress, microwave and washing machine to show fly tipping is on the increase and encourage the public to report incidents.

Devon and Cornwall Police work with other agencies such as Forestry England, local councils, Clean Devon and the Environment Agency to combat the problem.

Rural Affairs Officer PC Clarke Orchard explained: ‘Not only is fly tipping an eye sore, but with it comes a wealth of environmental consequences and financial implications; all of which cause harm in our communities.

‘This is a selfish offence and one we aim to reduce. We will continue to work closely with our local partners to support educational events as well as targeted operations to identify those responsible.

‘Whether you report fly-tipping when you see it or disposing of your waste correctly, we all have an important part to play in tackling this issue.

‘If you fly-tip, your actions can have huge implications on wildlife, waterways and the wider community, including farmers and landowners.

‘Unscrupulous criminals target communities by illegally dumping waste and they cause a blight on our beautiful countryside.

‘To address this, we’ve built strong partnerships and launched operations across the force to combat these threats and raise awareness further.

‘The latest staged fly-tip was an innovative way to demonstrate what illegal waste dumping looks like and allow us to have constructive conversations with members of the public about the importance of reporting incidents.

‘Fly tipping is a significant issue and one that can also have huge impacts and financial ramifications to private landowners, farmers, and rural communities.

‘Furthermore, some waste products pose significant risks to public health, endanger livestock and crops, as well as surrounding wildlife and waterways.’

A spokesman for Forestry England, which manages Haldon Forest Park added: ‘Fly tips are a blight on the countryside, and it’s always upsetting to see nature treated with such disregard.

‘Haldon Forest Park is frequently a victim of fly tipping, which diverts our limited resources away from work that would benefit wildlife and visitors.’

Chris Kernoghan, Community Environment Warden at Teignbridge Town Council, added: ‘The event makes residents aware of what to do on other aspects which could affect them, from paying someone to remove their household waste but not carrying out the correct checks.

‘We will continue to hold events such as these to help residents become more aware of how we can all work together to try and reduce this ongoing concern.’

Environment Agency Environment Officer Reece Chadwick said: ‘Waste crime adversely affects communities, undermines legitimate waste businesses, and damages the environment. The Environment Agency will vigorously pursue those who flout the law.

‘If you’re paying someone to take waste away, which could be a tradesperson or a man with a van, make sure they are a registered waste carrier.’

Anyone suspecting waste crime is taking place can contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 807060, or report anonymously to Crimestoppers.

A Clean Devon spokesman explained: ‘Together, we can stop the waste getting in the hands of the fly tippers.’

Advice is to avoid social media adverts, cash-in-hand, or doorstep cold callers offering to take rubbish.

Check that the person taking your waste is a registered ‘waste carrier’ via the GOV.UK Public Register.

Ask and record where rubbish will be taken.

Ask for a receipt to include contact details and the vehicle registration.

The spokesman added: ‘In addition to the serious harms caused to Devon’s natural landscapes, wildlife, and livestock, if your waste is found fly tipped, you are still responsible and can face unlimited fines. Always check, before anyone takes your rubbish away, and if you see it, report it.’

Further ‘fake’ fly tip staged events are planned for the coming months.