Illegal Dumping Attracts Crime
Illegal dumping is an unsightly scene. Fly dumping sites breed bacteria, lower home and business property values, and pose a danger to families living nearby. Did you know illegal dumping grounds also increase the crime to the affected community?
In some instances, the additional crime is more dumping such as abandoned trash, tires, and mattresses in a vacant lot. People assuming a few more tires or broken pieces of furniture added to the junkyard will not make much of a difference, thus adding to the fly dumping pile.
An essay on the effects of illegal dumping to Lawrence, PA states that one improperly disposed article can cause a “chain reaction” to your community in many harmful ways.
Amongst this “chain link” of fly dumping, is the attraction of illegal drugs and drug manufacturers. Harmful and highly dangerous narcotics are often the types of drugs that are drawn in by illegal dumping. Drug related articles found thrown into the garbage pile at the site are meth lab materials and heroin needles.
In addition to destroying community pride, fly dumping also attracts gatherings of rowdy people that behave in an unwanted manner. Disorderly teenagers often find illegal dumping sites to be “fun” hangout sites and sometimes take to vandalizing nearby homes and parks as part of their group activities
So, what are communities to do to prevent this chain reaction? They cannot simply believe the perpetrators will suddenly stop fly dumping and clean up the litter. Communities must make an investment in an illegal dumping prevention program.
- Educate the Community
- Enable the Community
- Equip your Staff
- Enforce the Laws
- Use Evidence & Prosecute with Illegal Dumping Cameras
Such investments are necessary to protect the safety of the community and prevent other crimes in the neighborhoods. It is possible for the chain link of crimes to be broken. Break the link!
#stopillegaldumping #noillegaldumpng #deterrence
