One man’s trashcan is apparently another man’s treasure in San Angelo.  Police are dealing with a rash of reported thefts of the 96-gallon trash-bins recently issued by Republic Services and it seems thieves are selling them on Craigslist.

And if you think this claim is garbage, look at these statistics:

Stolen Bins:

June- 8

July-15

August-9

September-8

Replacing the bins is inconvenient and costly, about $65.00 per bin if a victim fails to file a police report.  There are a few steps police suggest you take that can help deter these thefts and assist with the reporting process should you fall victim to this crime.

Remove the emptied bin from the roadway or alley as soon as possible.  Bins left unattended are the easiest to steal.

Record the trash-bin’s unique identification number for future reference.   You will need this number in the event you file a police report.  Take a photo of the number along with your house number, write it down and keep it in a safe place, or add it to your Citizen Property Inventory System at www.reportit.leadsonline.com (ReportIt is a free service to citizens that uses the same software as the San Angelo Police Department’s Pawn Detail).

Report trash-bin thefts through the San Angelo Police Department’s Online Reporting System http://bit.ly/SAPDOnlineReporting.
The online reporting service can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any internet-connected computer.  Making an online report keeps patrol officers available to respond to emergency calls for service.  If you do not have access to the internet, call the Non-Emergency number 325-657-4315.

More From 97.5 KGKL