Wheelie bins are often used by those involved in anti-social behaviour and low level crime to provide fuel for deliberate fires.

Often bins are wheeled to another location and the set alight, but lives and property can be endangered when wheelie bins are torched close to a home. Wheelie bin fires release toxic fumes and smoke which pollute the environment.

We would like to urge residents and businesses to store all bins away to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists.

Don't let your bin become a target for arsonists

Store all wheelie bins away, especially at night, to avoid them becoming a target for arsonists
Only place your wheelie bin out on collection day and return it to your property as soon as possible after collection
Whenever possible, wheelie bins should be stored securely behind locked gates
Do not overfill your wheelie bins or leave loose rubbish around them

General wheelie bin safety advice

Don't place hot items in the bin, for example: smoking materials, hot embers from coal/wood, hot ash, etc
Don't store wheelie bins by windows or doors - any fire in the bin could easily spread to your property