DoE 'must get tough on criminals'

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The Department of the Environment has been urged to take a tougher approach towards hardcore offenders.

Illegal dumpers and problems with foreign-registered vehicles were among the issues highlighted by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate in a new report.

It has made 15 recommendations on how the DoE and its agencies interact with the criminal justice system.

Kit Chivers of the inspectorate said more should be done to enhance the good enforcement work already under way.

"The DoE should develop a clear statement of intent on enforcement in relation to breaches or offences of environmental, planning and road traffic law," he said.

Criminals are taking Northern Ireland cars and putting foreign plates on them Kit ChiversCriminal Justice Inspectorate Mr Chivers said weak enforcement creates inequality, as those who break the law gain an unfair advantage.

"Inequality is also created when private industry is prosecuted for environmental and planning offences, yet government bodies are exempt from prosecution," he said.

The report also called for for partnerships with law enforcement agencies to be further developed.

Mr Chivers said tracing foreign registered vehicles and drivers was a major issue.

"It's very difficult - nobody wants to discriminate against anybody, but it's technically difficult to handle foreign plates because our systems don't cater for them in the same way.

"Criminals are exploiting this, and even taking Northern Ireland cars and putting foreign plates on them."

The Criminal Justice Inspectorate is an independent body which scrutinises law enforcement institutions including the police and the public prosecution, probation and prison services.