Paper, soap thieves target public loos
Short-sighted thieves may have left others caught short after stripping public loos of toilet paper and soap as Nelson prepares for the coronavirus pandemic.
The Nelson City Council is checking public toilets to maintain paper and soap supplies more frequently, but is pleading with the public to make sure there are enough supplies of both to go around.
Council community services group manager Roger Ball said such thefts were not uncommon at public toilets, but the latest spate was greater than usual.
‘‘Recently, we have had thefts at Tahunanui Sports Field, Saxton Field and Victory Square,’’ he said.
‘‘As we prepare for Covid-19, it’s really important that we look out for each other as a community. Making sure people can wash their hands in our public toilets is one of the ways we can limit the spread of the disease.’’
Facilities where entire soap dispensers had been ripped off the wall were now being stocked with bar soap, Ball said.
He said it was not possible to monitor all public toilets to prevent theft, and cameras ‘‘would not be welcome at this type of facility’’.
Though retailers are confident that there is no risk to the supply chain, Nelson shoppers are still targeting toilet paper to add to their stockpiles.
Ball said the city’s public toilets were not at risk of running out of either paper or soap, as the contractors in charge ‘‘have a large supply in stock’’ and had orders placed and on track for arrival.
Nevertheless, the council was reminding Nelsonians via Facebook that ‘‘removing these items from our toilets makes it harder for our community to resist a widespread outbreak, so we ask that people please think about others and refrain from taking these supplies’’.
Deputy mayor Judene Edgar said everyone had a ‘‘responsibility for public health’’ to look after not only themselves but the rest of the community as well.
‘‘A key responsibility that we all have is that while we do look after ourselves, we look after others as well. We won’t be able to stay healthy if others are sick.’’
Edgar said that although the situation was difficult for many, it was important to remember the rest of the community and those who were already taking precautionary steps.
‘‘A lot of people, especially the elderly, are really struggling with staying home alone.
‘‘It’s not business as usual or life as usual, but we’re not shutting down business or life. We’ve got to be thinking about how we can do things differently.’’
‘‘Making sure people can wash their hands in our public toilets is one of the ways we can limit the spread of the disease.’’