Dustbin diggers involved in more than ‘recycling’

Dustbin diggers on the West Rand of Johannesburg have been accused of more than digging for recyclables in the area.

DUSTBIN DIGGERS DIGGING IN THE WRONG PLACES

BCI Security, one of the prominent private security companies in the area of Roodepoort, has been observing the dustbin diggers’ behaviour lately which has extended beyond the norm.

The company warned its community on Facebook after an increasing number of criminal elements.

BCI: “Dustbin diggers also known as trolley people / Informal recyclers, and various other labels have become a common occurrence in our streets.
We have noticed that as a result of the increasing number of dustbin diggers which results in less recyclable items per person these people are tending to get involved in criminal activity”.

ALSO READ: NEW laws to deal with trespassers on private property in South Africa

CRIME LINKED TO THE RECYCLERS IN ROODEPOORT

BCI Security said the criminal activity includes is but is not limited to

Theft of cabling from wallsTheft of outside lights from wallsTheft of Steel and grids outside properties

“In addition to this, it has also become clear that these people believe in the proverbial saying ‘the early bird catches the worm’.”

BCI Security

Dustbin diggers pushing trollies laden with recyclable material. Photo: BCI Security/ Facebook.

“BCI, therefore, urges clients and the broader community to not take dustbins out on the night prior to collection. This creates an opportunity for these people to commence walking the streets in search of dustbins at night as opposed to day time, this leads to barking dogs etc and in turn creates opportunity for criminal acts,” the company cautioned.

“Therefore please consider your safety and that of your neighbours by taking your dustbins out on the scheduled collection day,” BCI advised.

ANOTHER ALARMING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY FOR RESIDENTIAL OWNERS

If this does not worry you, well, there is a new hijacking trend of residential properties in South Africa, common in Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Dominic Steyn, head of the corporate, commercial, tax, and litigation at Cowan-Harper-Madikizela Attorneys said the strategy of organised property hijacking syndicates is simple: force their way into occupied or vacant properties, forcibly evict tenants or owners, and put in place tenants of their choice.

FULL REPORT: Residential properties targeted by building hijacking syndicates