500 wheelie bins have been stolen in North Ayrshire over the last year, police have revealed.
The spree of thefts emerged as fire and police chiefs highlighted the problem of bins being set alight.
Chief Inspector Brian Shaw said he estimates about 500 wheelie bin thefts have been reported to the police.
He said: “There is an issue with wheelie bins across the whole of North Ayrshire. Kids steal wheelie bins and they set fire to them.”
The Chief Inspector told the North Ayrshire Police and Fire and Rescue Committee officers were warning teens about the hazards of bin blazes at schools.
CI Shaw said North Ayrshire Council replaces missing bins after the thefts are reported to the police and a crime number is generated.
He said: “It is still a crime. We have to investigate all these crimes.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article