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We all know what happens to garbage.

So what’s happening to garbage cans?

KHOU - TV

Scrap metal thieves are allegedly targeting garbage cans.

Vicki King an HPD Assistant Chief suspects scrap metal thieves. “They will steal anything and everything that is available for them to continue their criminal enterprise.”

Everybody from trash truck drivers to cops to homeowners have noticed that somebody is walking away with Houston trash cans.

Why?

Well, it seems that thieves have figured out an interesting way to get away with scrap metal.

They stick their stolen scrap in stolen City of Houston garbage cans. Then, if they see a police officer coming down the street they just pull the can over to the curb and walk away. After the unsuspecting police officer rolls past, the thief simply walks back and rolls away the garbage can like nothing ever happened.

And the trash can’s owner has to call police and file an offense report before the city government will replace the ripped off receptacle.

Roy Martinez, a homeowner says it’s a hassle. “It was like an act of congress just to get a garbage can. Send you to this person and then call that person. ‘No, we’re not in charge, call that person.’  You know, just constant red, red, red tape.”

And for Houston taxpayers, the thefts add up says Marina Joseph with Houston’s Solid Waste Dept. “Approximately 1,000 cans were stolen in a year’s time, since last year. And it costs the City of Houston about $45 for each individual can.”

So thieves are walking away with a small taxpayer treasure in stolen trash cans.