Bin gone walkies? Here’s what to do

A Westdene resident took to social media to show how two suspects got away with his refuse bin… In just a few minutes… In broad daylight.

Read more: Community urges Pikitup to act on neglected Fairland dumpsite

The resident, Wimpie Kruger, explained the incident took place on the afternoon of April 15 along Stafford Street. The bin was out due it being a waste collection day in the neighbourhood. With him being at work during the day, he said the bin was left out for a few more hours until his arrival home. “When I got home, my father said to put the bin back in the house, only I didn’t see it outside.” So, after surveying the neighbourhood, he looked at his cameras and saw just how his bin went missing.

What frustrates Kruger more, is that this is the second time in two months that his bin has been stolen. He plans to open a case at the police station but also opted to share this video, using Facebook, for fellow residents to be vigilant and be on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour.

Also read: Pikitup really needs to pick it up

Here is what Pikitup has to say:
• What to do if your bin has been stolen
Report your bin as stolen at a police station nearest to your place of residence, obtain a case number and have your municipal account ready before calling Pikitup’s call centre to make an application for a bin replacement. This process applies to domestic as well as business customers.
• What to do if your bin is damaged
Report the damaged bin through Pikitup’s call centre and also be in possession of your account number when applying for your bin to be replaced.
• What to do when requesting for an additional bin
Call Pikitup’s call centre with your account number. You will be issued with a reference number which will be used to issue an additional bin. However, in this instance, residents will be required to pay for the cost of the additional bin/s. In all three cases a reference number will be given to the customer, which then needs to be given to the Pikitup official who will attend to the customer’s request. Customers should always sign the bin delivery document as proof that they have received the bin. Residents and businesses should also note that no bin request will be processed without a reference number. Furthermore, in terms of Pikitup’s bin management policy, a damaged bin will be replaced at no cost to the customer, but lost or stolen bins will only be replaced for free once in a bins’ useful life. The current useful life span of a bin is eight (8) years, which means you can only apply for a new bin, if stolen or lost, once every eight years.

@caxtonjoburgnorth

CCTV footage of the two individuals who can be seen stealing a dustbin with no one in sight #stopcrime #northcliffmelvilletimes

♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North – Caxton Joburg North

In relation to sectional title properties, Pikitup will provide bins equal to the lower number of units in the complex, or bins equal to the space available to store bins in such properties. Residents living in such properties should note that only the property owner, or the managing agent, may apply for a bin on their behalf. In the event that tenants want to make applications for bins, their applications will only be entertained once they have a letter of authority from the owner, or the managing agent, of the property.

Pikitup appeals to residents to immediately place their bins inside their properties after the bins have been emptied, to avoid having them stolen.

Pikitup’s call centre number is 087 357 1068 and is open from 08:00 and 16:30 from Monday to Friday

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