Thieves throw gas meters out of stolen van in Wigan

Motorists on Copperas Lane, Haigh, were baffled to see the meters strewn across the road on Monday morning, prompting outcries about fly-tipping.

The council, however, said the devices had been in the back of a van, which was stolen. The thieves later discarded them in the middle of the road, for reasons unknown, but they were soon returned to their rightful owner once he was traced.

The police have now launched an investigation.

Paul Barton, director for environment at Wigan Council said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence, blights our environment and is expensive to clean up. By disposing of waste responsibly and by recycling waste correctly it helps us to keep our council tax low.

“Thanks to a resident reporting the Haigh incident to us, our team responded quickly meaning that this unsightly rubbish was removed by the end of the day.

“We ask all residents to send as much information about incidents of environmental crime, including descriptions of the perpetrator, vehicle registrations or home addresses where possible so we can take action.”

To report an incident visit www.wigan.gov.uk/reportit or download the council’s ReportIt app.