Neds thieve then set fire to 121 bins
Wheelies ablaze in grounds of former school
A Wishaw Police sergeant has hit out at teenage vandals who have stolen and set fire to over 120 wheelie bins.
Sgt William Gray revealed to the Wishaw Press that a total of 121 bins have been stolen from homes in the Craigneuk and Wishawhill areas within the last six months.
Around 30 per cent of the bins have been stolen from one street.
A total of 37 bins have been taken from homes in Wishawhill’s Pentland Road with many of them set ablaze on the site of the former St Matthew’s Primary School.
Sgt Gray said: “The thefts are becoming more and more of a problem.
“We want to make the public aware of these incidents so that they can take steps to properly secure their bins.
“The site where the school was is the place where a lot of these fires are taking place”
The thefts have also hit those living in Craigneuk.
In the area’s Gateside Road 21 bins have been taken.
Sgt Gray added: “The bins are generally being stolen for one reason only and that is to set fire to them – which in turn leads to a report of a fire and in which case the Fire Service are duty bound to attend.
“This is taking the fire service away from potentially a more serious fire or incident and not only is a bin or a collection of bins on fire a potential risk to public safety.”
A North Lanarkshire Council spokesman added: “We provide each household with the appropriate types of wheelie bins.
“Should your bin be lost or stolen a charge will be applied for a replacement with the standard wheelie bin costing £47.93.
“To report a bin lost or stolen bin and to order a replacement, contact Northline on 01698 403110 or visit our website at www. northlanrkshire.gov.uk.”
The bins are generally being stolen for one reason only and that is to set fire to them