Police hunt for car dumpers

(CNS): People who have dumped vehicles in the Cayman Islands will be prosecuted, and all of the Royal Cayman Islands Area Commanders say they are poised to clean up their districts. “The amount of cars being abandoned in West Bay is shameful,” said Angelique Howell, Area Commander for West Bay.

“Those who have dumped their vehicles should be prepared to be prosecuted in the near future. Not only are they affecting the environment adversely, but they also affect the quality of life for those living in the area.”

Warnings have been given to some people who have been identified as being responsible for dumping cars, but the time for warnings is now over she added.

“My job is to make the district of West Bay as safe as it can be and this includes making sure people feel safe in their surroundings. We will work with the Beautification Committee to clean up the district and ensure prosecutions are made to hold those responsible to account,” Howell said.

Chief Inspector Richard Barrow, Area Commander for the Eastern Districts echoed her concerns, saying he has noticed an increase in dumped cars, particularly in Bodden Town. “We are seeing more and more vehicles being abandoned along the highways. It’s unsightly and dangerous. We all have a responsibility to keep the Cayman Islands clean and tidy and I urge everyone to take this responsibility seriously,” he said.

Residents are being urged to report anyone seen flouting the law by dumping waste or littering in their neighbourhood to the police or the Department of Environmental Health (DoEH). The public can contact the DoEH to make a complaint at 949-6696 or their local police station.

Under the 1997 Litter Law, it is an offence to drop litter and dump waste punishable with a five hundred dollar fine or a prison term of up to six months.