ON the face of it, stealing wheeled bins is not – in many people's minds – the crime of the century.

It wouldn't necessarily head the priority list of criminal activities to be tackled by our boys and girls in blue.

But the theft of bins at Ingrow has led to serious concerns within the community.

The fact they are being pinched is an annoyance, and they are not cheap to replace either.

As has rightly been pointed out, people on low incomes, in particular, could struggle to cover the costs.

However, what is especially worrying is that bins are ending up being set alight in a popular skate park.

Not only are those responsible for starting the fires putting their own safety at risk, they are also jeopardising that of other young people who use the site.

Police are acting to try to find those behind the thefts, and have issued advice to householders to help protect their property. There are some simple and inexpensive steps people can take.

But officers do need the support of the community to trace the culprits.

We would echo their plea for anyone with information to come forward.