Minneapolis Police Crack Down on 'Scavenging'

Over the next few weeks Minneapolis police officers will be checking alleys for people stealing recycling and scrap metal from garbage and recycling containers.

According to the Minneapolis Police Department, the theft of refuse and recycling is illegal and has become a problem in the city:

Recycling theft or “scavenging” is the unauthorized collection of recyclable materials set out by residents for authorized collection programs with the City. City of Minneapolis Ordinance 244.355 (c) states that it’s against the law. Although you may feel this is a harmless crime, scavenging gives individuals an opportunity to survey what items you have in your alley, garage and home and takes revenue from the City that could have helped keep your solid waste fees lower!

The following are steps residents can take to discourage scavenging, the department said in a newsletter:

• Don’t put out recyclables and other scrap metal until the day of pickup and ask neighbors to do the same;
• Call 911 if you see people taking these items. Scrappers will usually drive pickup trucks or vans to collect the items. When talking to the 911 operator, remember to include a description of the vehicle and people involved;
• If the vehicle happens to leave the area before officers arrive, call back 911 and advise the operator of the direction of travel of the vehicle. A message will be sent to the officers in the area via the squad computers;
• Call 911 on any other suspicious activity.

See the attached PDF for more information.

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