Thieves target Fenland recycling centre including stealing an American-style fridge

Thieves have targeted a Fenland recycling centre "again and again" stealing items that help could go towards the operator's costs.

Fenland police say the criminal activity at the March tip in Hundred Road, has "forced their hands" and that they are now spending valuable time investigating break-ins at the site and offering the operator security advice.

Posting on their Facebook page officers said one of the more recent incidents saw thieves manage to lift an American style fridge over the centre's 10ft high fence.

A spokesman said: "To most of us, this is a place where we take our unwanted possessions for disposal. To a small few, this is a place to take items from again and again.

"There are consequences to the private business which operates the contract for the recycling centre in March, harming all of those that work there.

"This isn't upcycling, nor is this someone taking a couple of items when desperate. It's theft and burglary.

"Most of you will agree, we should be focussing on something more 'harmful' however the sheer number of thefts have forced our hand.

"We are working with the site to improve security and to prosecute those responsible."

Responding to comments from the public suggesting "there was no real problem" because it is reducing rubbish going to landfill officers said: "If they attended during opening hours and asked the staff there would be no problem.

"But it's hard to ask anyone when you break in at 4am and steal an American fridge and pass it over the 10ft security fence.

"The contract holder operates by sorting and selling waste to relevant companies. That in turn pays the site rent and the employee wages.

"It's not landfill that is stolen, it's something that will be sold on. It might be waste to all of us, but it's essential to the operator."

* All the county's tips are currently open to the public.