Security firm VIT Innovation was commissioned to design the tracking device when suspicions were raised about a contractor who was thought to be dumping waste illegally.
The small GPS unit was placed inside a glue tube, before being dropped into a bag awaiting collection by the suspected fly-tipper. The device would offer VIT’s surveillance team real-time data tracking for up to 100 hours with its onboard battery.
From its headquarters in Hertfordshire, VIT could then monitor the precise location of the rubbish. The signal from the unit was integrated with Google Earth software providing, information about the driver’s location using maps and aerial photography.
The level of detail from the software provided the VIT team with precise information that could be relayed to a small surveillance team following the van.
The load was tracked to a forested area away from the main road and under the cover of trees. Using signals from the GPS unit, the local authority team was directed to the exact location of the dumped load. Unfortunately, the vehicle was no longer at the scene.
However, the load was successfully tracked, located and recovered within two hours of first being picked up. With the evidence collected and the photographic records of the dumping, the offender is now being prosecuted by the local authority.
To find out more about this technology, visit the Visit the VIT website Innovation website.