Warning, curbside garbage prowler spotted: NE 164th & NE Holiday St

Curbside garbage prowler spotted, NE 164th & NE Holiday

Is your trash can a treasure chest for identity thieves?

X marks the spot!

Well, in this case, the 'X' is more like a lid with a handle on the top. For identity thieves who are looking for buried treasure, your garbage bin can be a jackpot of personal information. As the old saying goes, ’One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’

Have you seen this guy?

About 5:30am July 7, 2010 a "scruffy looking" 25-35 year old male on a bicycle w/toddler trailer was observed sifting through several curbside trash bins in the area of 164th Ave & NE Holiday St. After being spotted he got back on his bike and casually rode away with his booty. But, not before this picture was taken with a cell phone.

What was he looking for?

Pop cans? Food? Personal information (maybe credit card receipts, bank statements)? Who knows.

Whatever it was, he decided to look elsewhere after he was seen doing some early morning 'dumpster diving' through other folks trash.

It’s Not Illegal

What surprises most victims of garbage can prowlers is that the crime isn’t really a crime if the trash is left in a public place. For example, put a bag of trash out on the curb and anyone has the right to pick it up and carry it away. Even public dumpsters, like those found in apartment complexes aren’t off limits.

Garbage can prowling becomes a crime when someone steals trash that is considered to be concealed. For example, the trash can that you collect your trash bags in, back by the garage, is considered concealed. Thieves can’t help themselves to that trash without risking theft charges if caught.

Don't Become A Victim

Garbage can prowling is more a threat than you realize. It’s easy for criminals to get your personal information if you just throw it away. So protect yourself. Shred everything.

And, don't place your garbage can curbside the night before pick-up. Do it in the morning - when it's daylight.