It can be really frustrating if you think your bin has been stolen (Image: Getty)
For many of us, nipping out to the bins doesn’t require a second thought. So if you were to go outside one day and find that your bin is no longer there, it would be an absolute nightmare to deal with.
It may not seem like it, but wheelie bin theft is actually a bigger issue than you may think. According to the experts at WheelieBins.co.uk, there are several reasons why a neighbour or a stranger might attempt to steal your bin, whether it’s for the bin itself or for its contents, like letters or bank statements. If you’re concerned about this happening and want to know how to deal with it, the expert have outlined the process you have to follow, as well as your legal rights.
What to do if your bin is lost or stolen
Whether you think a neighbour has stolen your bin or it’s just gone missing accidentally, there are a couple of things you should try to do as quickly as possible.
The first step is simply to just ask around. It’s very possible that someone has taken your bin in by mistake, and they’ll probably want it out of their garden anyways.
Depending on the weather, there’s also a chance that it’s blown away, so make sure to check any hedges or hidden areas that it may have gotten stuck.
Stolen wheelie bins are more common than you’d think (Image: Getty)
However, if you’ve still had no luck and suspect that it has been nicked, you can report it to the police. Call the 101 non-emergency number or their website, but only if the bin is your own personal property.
You should then receive a crime number while you wait for an outcome.
On the other hand, if the bin belongs to your local council, you will need to contact them. The experts said: “Depending on where you are, you may have to pay for a replacement wheelie. However, if your bin has disappeared and it emerges that the council has damaged it during collection, you shouldn’t have to pay.”
How to stop your wheelie bin from being stolen
If you’ve already had to deal with a stolen bin and want to prevent it from happening again, there are a couple of simple tasks you can do.
Firstly, try to avoid putting your bin out too early. If it’s out on the street all night or day beforehand, it could be a target for opportunistic thieves.
Similarly, try to bring it back into your garden quickly after it’s been emptied. The experts added: “If you’re not going to be at home, ask a trusted neighbour to take your bin in for you.”
Another simple yet effective trick is to make sure you’re labelling your bin clearly with your house number. Not only will this reduce the chances of it getting lost by accident, but adding bright colours or stickers will also help to deter any thieves.
And obviously, try to keep it out of sight on your property, such as in your back garden or behind a locked gate. While this might not be possible for everyone, it’s one of the best ways to keep your bins safe.
You could also put a lock on your bin if you’re worried about its contents — just remember to go outside and unlock it the morning that they’re being collected.