Southend-on-Sea, December 08, 2025
A person disguised as a giant purple T. rex dinosaur was caught on CCTV illegally dumping rubbish late at night in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, raising concerns about environmental impact and law enforcement challenges related to fly-tipping.
Incident Details
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 PM local time and was recorded by a resident’s CCTV camera. Footage shows an individual dressed in a vivid purple dinosaur costume checking for oncoming traffic before crossing a street. The person then disposed of two black bin bags near public waste bins before walking away casually, even swinging on a nearby lamppost.
Official Response
The Southend city council acknowledged the video but stated no official complaints related to this specific fly-tipping event had yet been submitted. Authorities continue to monitor such incidents and emphasized that illegal waste dumping remains a prosecutable offense under local regulations.
Environmental and Legal Implications
Fly-tipping poses significant environmental risks, including pollution and community health concerns. The illegal dumping of waste undermines public cleanliness efforts and imposes costs on councils for removal and site restoration. The flamboyant nature of the offender’s dinosaur costume adds an unusual element to a persistent criminal activity affecting many communities.
Public Reaction and Notability
Local residents have expressed a mix of amusement and concern over the incident, noting the rarity of a costumed offender. However, officials stress that, regardless of the costume, fly-tipping is a serious offence with potential legal consequences, and such acts undermine community standards.
Illegal waste disposal continues to challenge local authorities tasked with maintaining environmental quality and public safety. The episode underlines the importance of vigilance and public reporting to address and deter fly-tipping effectively.