A TOTAL of 12 people have been succesfully prosecuted since the council's crackdown on environmental crime in Waltham Forest started seven months ago.

The council launched the 'Wiping Out Enviro Crime' initiative in January to tackle offences such as littering, fly-tipping, graffiti and dog fouling.

In addition to the convictions, a further 275 people have been issued fixed penalty notices.

The council announced two weeks ago that it is handing out cash rewards of up to £500 if residents supply evidence leading to a successful prosecution for crimes including fly-tipping, fly-posting and vandalism.

The authority denied it was paying residents to spy on neighbours.

In order to be eligible, they must provide enough information to take a case to court and may be asked to appear in court to give evidence themselves.