Residents living close to the Lecky Road flyover have been urged to take extra measures to secure their yards after an upsurge in incidents of wheelie bins being stolen and burned.
The advice was issued by Derry City and Strabane District Council after householders living in the Charlotte Street and Bishop Street area reported that their wheelie bins had been stolen.
People living in the nearby Windmill Terrace also reported a number of wheelie bin thefts.
The bins were then taken to an area under the flyover (pictured) before being set alight.
In the most recent incident, in addition to setting bins alight, vandals also tipped a tin of paint onto the ground beside the fire.
Residents in the above areas have said they can no longer leave their bins out at night to be emptied for fear of them being destroyed.
A spokesperson for the council said that it had since cleared the bins from the area, and also issued a a warning those behind the recent vandalism.
“Council officers are currently working with residents and local representatives to address the issue,” the spokesperson said.
“The Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is advising residents of the area about securing their premises and restricting access to bins.
“The damaged wheelie bins have now been removed and the area has been cleared.
“We would like to remind those behind the vandalism that they are carrying out a criminal offence as well as posing a risk to public safety.”
The spokesperson added: “Anyone who has their wheelie bin stolen, or who witnesses such behaviour, should also contact the PSNI to report the incident.”
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