Residents cautioned about new bins

By Howell Dennis

CROWLEY – The new trash bins that Acadia Parish residents are starting to use this week have been causing a different type of headache for law enforcement.

According to Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson, thieves have been stealing the bins. To make matters worse, residents must pay a $65 charge to have the bins replaced.

“I spoke with Kathy Smith with IESI, our new trash disposal company and discussed the problems with the containers being stolen,” said Gibson. “She asked that we advise our residents in Crowley and Acadia Parish of a few requirements that they need to be aware of regarding theft and replacement of the containers.”

Gibson and IESI ask that residents follow these tips:

• It is the customers responsibility to record the serial number, which is located on the front portion of the container. If a container is stolen and the customer does not have the serial number recorded, the cost of replacing the container becomes the customer’s responsibility. If a container is stolen and the resident can produce the serial number to IESI and the local law enforcement, IESI will replace the container at no cost to the resident.

• IESI has authorized that residents can write in permanent marker the address which the container has been issued to. The container is assigned to an address not the resident, therefore the resident should not place their name on the container according to IESI. All markings on the container should be placed on the interior of the container or the bottom of the container. IESI request that there be no markings on any side of the container.

• If a container has been stolen, please report the theft to your local law enforcement authority with your serial number and any identifying markings. The customer also has the responsibility of reporting thefts of containers to IESI at 788-1230.

The motive for stealing the containers is unknown at this time.