A drone is being used by Herefordshire Council to gather evidence of illegal waste disposal.
The aircraft enables the unitary authority to investigate reports of fly-tipping and collect ‘high quality’ evidence to prosecute people for environmental crime.
The council said the drone, which is operated by a pilot, means it can view areas that are difficult to access on foot and has helped it understand the extent of fly-tipping in the area.
It was bought with a government grant.
Cabinet member for roads and regulatory services, Barry Durkin, said: ‘Our message is clear to anyone thinking they can dispose of waste or carry out any illegal activities in any area where they think that it will go undetected – we won’t hesitate to use our Eye in the Sky to protect Herefordshire.’