Thousands of pounds worth of steel bins have been stolen from across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
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 and will cost an estimated £6,000 to replace.
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.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, is asking for anyone who may have information about these incidents to come forward. 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.
