In Britain it pays (literally) to spy on your neighbour

Waltham Forest Council in North London has announced it will pay residents up to £500 to spy on and rat out fellow residents who commit “environmental crimes,” reports the Daily Mail. The scheme, in which cash is awarded for information about those who let their dogs foul pavements, drop litter, or paint graffiti, is the latest example of neighbourhood councils paying residents to play spy: some even pay children for information about people who leave recycling bags and rubbish bins out on the pavement. The TaxPayers Alliance has voiced its protest: “This initiative is going to cost us dear – in terms of financially and damaging community spirit,” a spokesman said.

The Daily Mail