Fly-tippers have been warned that if they’re caught they could face fines of up to £2,500.

The number of cases has shot up in recent weeks, coinciding with the closure of the island’s civic amenity sites.

Police and local authorities have shared images of illegally discarded rubbish at local beauty spots including furniture, household waste and glass bottles.

Incidents at Ballaugh and Eary Cushlin are being investigated by police with those responsible facing fines of up to £2,500 under the Public Health act.

A police spokesman said: ’Such mindless acts will not be tolerated under any circumstances.’

Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment Food and Agriculture, said:’One of our pledges, as an Island UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is to minimise our environmental impact and protect those areas of natural beauty around us.

’Not only is the dumping of rubbish in our countryside unsightly and unnecessary but it also presents a wider danger to roaming livestock and other wildlife.’

Tim Baker MHK, Minister for Infrastructure, said: ’We understand that people may be taking some time during this circuit breaker to make changes to their homes and fix things around the house, but we’re asking that any waste from these activities are stored safely until the amenity sites re-open.’

All four of the island’s civic amenity facilities were closed on March 3 to protect staff and the public from Covid-19 after the island entered a third lockdown.

Beach Buddies’ founder Bill Dale questioned why that was really necessary.

Reports of fly tipping or littering should be made to local authorities or police headquarters on 631212.