Bin day safety tips

According to Beagle Watch, there has been an increase in recyclers in the Fairland, Northcliff and Berario area.

This is more especially on Thursdays when bins are put out for Pikitup to collect. In a statement, the organisation explained although they empathise with the recyclers and displaced, they want all the community safe.

Here are some tips Beagle Watch issued for the community to use come bin day:

• Only put your bin out on the morning of collection day and bring it back in as soon as the garbage has been collected.
• Do not put the bin out the evening before, as this unfortunately attracts recyclers to the area during the evening and night.
• A wheelie bin left outside can also be used to climb over a wall, especially at night.
•  Keep the bin out of sight and safely at the back of your property during the rest of the week.
•  Be safety-conscious when taking out and bringing in the bin.
•  Have a panic button with you and be aware of your surroundings.
•  Do not leave the gate standing open.
•  If your domestic worker or gardener usually takes out the bins, please brief them accordingly.
•  If you are not at home, arrange with someone to bring in your wheelie bin after the garbage has been collected. A bin left standing outside for extended periods can indicate to criminals that you might be away.
•  Be aware of what you dispose of. Boxes and packaging of high-value items might be providing criminals with a ‘shopping list’.
•  Be careful of creating expectations. While occasionally putting food out with the bin is not wrong, it could create future expectations.