Action against shop 'bin dippers'

Locks have been put on bins behind charity shops in Derbyshire after complaints of mess left by people rummaging through them.

Police have stepped up patrols after residents and retailers in Buxton town centre said the problem was causing littering and noise nuisance.

High Peak Borough Council also urged shop staff not to leave out items "desirable to bin dippers".

The council said the bin locks are proving to be a deterrent.

'Shopkeepers unhappy'

Warning signs are being displayed near the bins.

The Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and they have been working to reduce the problem as one of their neighbourhood priorities.

PC Sarah Crosthwaite said: "Both residents and shopkeepers in the area are unhappy about the mess which is left behind when people go through these bins.

"Through partnership working with High Peak Borough Council, residents and shops we have been able to secure the bins and have so far seen a reduction in calls about the issue.

"We will continue to patrol the affected areas and monitor the situation to see if there has been a long term improvement."