The spate of bin thefts across Rhondda Cynon Taf continues, which will result in thousands of pounds of tax payers money being used to replace them.
Another 3 steel bins have been stolen in Rhondda Cynon Taf which brings the estimated cost of replacing them up to almost £10,000. The Council is urging residents to come forward with any information they may have so that these criminals can be caught.
The steel bins which are located all around the County Borough, including in town centres and along the major routes are believed to have been taken in broad daylight.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is asking residents to be on their guard and look out for anything suspicious. Council workers would always be in clearly marked vans and would never use rope or cutting materials to remove bins. There are no planned bin replacements taking place so the Council workers would only be emptying these bins. If you see a suspicious white or blue van or any unmarked vans parked in lay-by’s or close to a steel bin, please note down the vehicle registration number and contact the Council as soon as possible.
The various black steel bins which have been taken include free standing lay-by bins which are bolted to the floor, street and town centre bins and post mounted bins. The bins are placed in these key locations to ensure the County Borough is a clean environment for residents to live in. The opportunists responsible for the thefts take them to scrap yards in return for cash.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, Councillor Anthony Christopher, said: “The money that the thieves receive is just a small percentage of what the actual bins cost to replace. In the current economic climate where the Council is under pressure to cut spending this is a cost that the Council will have to recover from other key front line services.
“Those involved in these thefts should come forward and return the bins immediately. I would urge anyone who knows anything or sees anything suspicious to come forward and report the information. Thefts of this kind will not be tolerated in our County Borough and we will catch those responsible.”
If you have information about these incidents please come forward, you do not have give your name and details if you wish to remain anonymous. The Council is currently checking past CCTV footage and the police have been notified. Both the Council’s CCTV department and the Police are now taking measures to catch the thieves and will remain vigilant until they are caught.
If you have any information about the theft please contact South Wales Police on 101 or contact the Council on 01443 494700.
