Residents encouraged to report rubbish bag thieves

ROTORUA 19.08.13: Rotorua District Council is encouraging residents who witness people stealing householders’ bundles of rubbish bags from properties to report the theft to the council or Rotorua Police.

Council regulation rubbish bags are delivered in bundles of 26 twice a year to every house in Rotorua’s urban area, and once a year in rural areas, providing one rubbish bag per household per week.

RDC solid waste manager, Tim Senington, said there had been an increase of people calling the council to request a bundle of rubbish bags as a result of their council allocation being stolen.

“Stealing rubbish bags isn’t funny – it’s blatant theft. Each bundle costs the council around $26 so these thieves are costing ratepayers hundreds - possibly even thousands - of dollars in replacement, staff and travel costs.

“We’ve also been made aware of people selling Rotorua rubbish bags for less than what people pay in shops and supermarkets. While some of these bags may have been acquired legitimately, the council is investigating to ensure they aren’t stolen bags and action will be taken if it becomes apparent they’ve been obtained illegally.”

Mr Senington said rubbish bag thieves were becoming quite brazen and were therefore easier to catch in the act.

“We recently had a report from a Mamaku local resident who witnessed a car following a short distance behind the council rubbish bag delivery truck, and sending a child out to pick up each bundle dropped on household front lawns. The culprit drove off when he realised he had been seen.

“We’ve had discussions with local police and they’re also keen to put an end to this illegal behaviour to ensure everyone in our community can get their expected supply of rubbish bags.”

If anyone witnesses rubbish bag bundles being stolen from properties, please note the car registration and description of the offender and contact Rotorua Police on 07 349 9400 or Rotorua District Council on 07 348 4199.

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