The removal of nuisance vehicles, seizing of illegal goods and handing out fines to fly-tippers are all part of Croydon Council's recent crackdown on antisocial environmental crime.
The council’s intelligence-led operations, outlined in a report agreed at cabinet on December 3, have targeted environmental and antisocial offences that affect quality of life across the borough.
This zero tolerance approach supports the executive mayor’s commitment to making Croydon cleaner, safer and healthier.
Over the past 18 months, increased investment in resources has led to higher rates of action being taken against offenders.
Analysis has found that 94 per cent of residents supported the council's direct enforcement action, with fly-tipping identified as a top concern.
In response, a dedicated team has investigated fly-tipping cases, issuing more than 100 fines since September.
Early results suggest this has led to a decline in fly-tipping in hotspot areas.
Businesses are also under scrutiny, with more than 1,000 inspections carried out to check waste disposal arrangements.
Those found to be non-compliant risk fines or prosecution.
The council is also taking tougher action against private land owners who ignore orders to remove dumped waste.
15 vehicles have been seized and crushed in the last three months, as part of efforts to tackle garages that dump unroadworthy cars on the road.
Since May, more than 70 Blue Badges have been confiscated and the council has also towed 32 vehicles and prosecuted four individuals.
A further 15 prosecutions will take place in the coming months.
Trading standards officers have confiscated 10,000 illegal vapes and 93,000 illicit cigarettes, along with hand-rolling tobacco, whilst the food safety team has closed a restaurant, a shop and a takeaway due to health risks.
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This enforcement activity has run alongside the council’s deep cleans and repairs of district centres.
Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: "Making Croydon’s streets cleaner and safer is my priority.
"Croydon will not be seen as a soft touch.
"We are determined to make those who act antisocially face the consequences of their actions, through a zero-tolerance approach.
"We are listening to residents who have told us they want stronger action taken on those who blight the borough.
"The results speak for themselves – and this model is working.
"This is only the beginning, but we are on track to fix the ‘broken windows’ of our borough as we continue to restore pride in Croydon one street at a time."
The council plans build on these efforts by expanding its use of CCTV and strengthening partnerships with the police and fire brigade.
Residents can learn how to dispose of waste correctly by visiting Croydon Council’s website for guidance.
Environmental and road-related issues can be reported through the Love Clean Streets app.
