DUMP rubbish in the wrong place and you could spring a trap.

The Environment Agency and Wrexham County Borough Council have begun Operation Fly-Trap, a covert surveillance operation to combat fly-tipping.

It is part of the Environmental Crimewatch Campaign, a new project launched by the Agency in March of this year to target environmental crime.

This joint initiative with the council will focus on the issue of fly-tipping in an attempt to take enforcement action against those dumping waste illegally.

Fly-tipping is becoming an increasing problem across North Wales, with some traders and householders choosing to dispose of their rubbish in lay-bys and on waste land.

This is not an accepted way to dispose of waste and Operation Fly-Trap will take these people to court where necessary.

Environmental Crimewatch signs will also be installed at sites across the county to drum the message home about the problem.

Lyndsey Meek, the Environment Agency's senior special enforcement officer, said: 'This new project will act directly to target fly-tipping. Working with Wrexham Council enables us to tackle the problem effectively and seriously.

'Fly-tipping is an eyesore across many areas of Wrexham County Borough Council and a zero tolerance attitude must be taken to combat it.

'We are warning everyone, both householders and traders, to dispose of their waste correctly at licensed facilities. Don't act illegally, as we may be watching you.'

Wrexham Council's chief community service officer, John Bradbury, said: 'Fly-tipping in Wrexham is not acceptable.

'Those wishing to dispose of their excess household waste can do so responsibly at a number of civic amenity sites and local recycling centres.

'People who engage in fly-tip-ping are not only defacing the environment, they are costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds every year in clearance and disposal costs.'

Chief Housing and Public Protection officer Andy Lewis added: 'Fly-tipping is an illegal activity and the fines are considerable.

'There are no excuses for disposing of waste irresponsibly and the chances of being caught are now increasing thanks to operations like this.'