Keep an eye on Council rubbish bins at beaches

26 June 2007

Council coastal rangers concerned at the theft of large stainless steel rubbish bins installed on Christchurch beaches are appealing to the public for help.

Coastal Parks Area Head Ranger Rodney Chambers says over the past two weekends, seven of the heavy bins worth more than $4000 have been stolen from beach fronts.

“We are asking the public to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously around beach areas, especially  if they are in unmarked vans or trucks,’’ he says. “People should ring the police or write down numbers of registration plates if they see something suspicious. Legitimate Council workers or contractors will be in marked vehicles.’’

Mr Chambers says rangers had installed the stainless steel rubbish bins because they were more resistant to corrosion from the sea air.

“We are keen to keep beaches clean and have places for owners to pick up and dispose of dog mess so we need bins on beaches,’’ he says. “We have had complaints that Council has removed the bins but want to assure the public we are as keen as they are to have the bins in place to keep our beaches clean. We just need to stop these thieves from removing the bins.’’

Media contact: Kristi Gray 027 2410 244

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