Anti-Terror Law Mission Creep in the U.K.
First terrorists, then trash cans:
More than half of town halls admit using anti-terror laws to spy on families suspected of putting their rubbish out on the wrong day.
Their tactics include putting secret cameras in tin cans, on lamp posts and even in the homes of ‘friendly’ residents.
The local authorities admitted that one of their main aims was to catch householders who put their bins out early.
EDITED TO ADD (11/13): A better article on the subject.
bob • November 7, 2008 8:50 AM
There is a cultural difference here I’m missing. I’ve been to England several times (liked it; sorry I didn’t get to see Bletchley Park) but I am afraid I don’t get the gist of what they are trying to gain with the (stipulated) abuse of powers mentioned.
People are putting out trash early? And that happens often enough to affect good order and public health? Cant they just drive around on (for example) Tuesday and see that the trash which wont be picked up til Wednesday is already out? Why would people put out trash before it will be picked up anyway? I would think a bigger problem would be people who don’t want to pay for having their trash picked up and just let it build, drawing vermin and promoting disease.