Fly-tipping concerns were at the top of the agenda at a barn meet in Redbourn.

More than 40 rural residents, including local landowners, farmers and rural business owners, attended the latest barn meet in Redbourn on last night.

Held at Butler Farm, the event was attended by Chief Constable Andy Bliss, Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, officers from St Albans, Dacorum and North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Teams and the Rural Operational Support Team.

Also present at the meeting were representatives from Hertfordshire County Council, St Albans District Council, Trading Standards, animal welfare organisations, Redbourn Parish Council and the National Farmers’ Union.

Issues discussed included fly-tipping, burglary and theft of plant equipment.

During the meeting attendees had the chance to speak to their local officers about any concerns or issues they had, as well as take a selection of police information leaflets and warning posters to display on their farms to deter criminal activity on their property.

The main issue raised by local residents was fly-tipping and discussions were held about how the council, police and residents can work together to tackle the issue.

Householders and businesses have a duty of care to insure that the person that takes away and disposes of their waste is a registered waste carrier and could face heavy court fines if their waste is illegally dumped.

Only a few fly-tipping incidents are traced back to where the rubbish came from, so it is important that local people stay vigilant and report suspicious activity and make a note of registration plates and report it to the police.

If you come across fly-tipped waste you should contact your local council.

"The barn meet is a regular event which enables rural communities around St Albans to meet with police and partner agencies to discuss issues which affect them on a daily basis in an informal environment" explained Chief Inspector Ken Townsend.

Chief Constable Andy Bliss added: "The event was a great success and we hope to reassure people that rural crime is being taken very seriously at all levels.

"By working together we can send criminals the message that if they commit crime in the countryside they run a real risk of getting caught and being brought to justice."