Litter pickers discover stolen goods

Mar 11 2008 By Gurdip Thandi

COMMUNITY spirited residents were shocked to discover items believed to have been from a robbery while out on a litter pick in their area.

Two money trays from fruit machines used to collect cash, were discovered lying around streets in Wilnecote, Tamworth.

Both items have since been handed in to police for finger print testing.

They were discovered during a community event, organised by the Friends of Wilnecote Litter Pickers group on February 24.

Ten bags of rubbish were also collected along Tinkers Green Road, Overwoods Road and Hastings Close.

Coun Lee Bates said "We were all surprised and didn't expect to be crime busting as well as grime busting in the local area as part of our latest litter pick campaign.

"We were very careful not to put our own finger prints on the containers which were obviously from a fruit machine robbery.

"Police were alerted and the boxes took into Tamworth Police Station for fingerprint testing.

"Ten bags of rubbish were yet again collected in the area proving that the on going battle against litter never stops and residents by joining forces once a month in a fun social way can send the message out that dropping litter is not acceptable in Wilnecote.

"Residents are reminded that the litter pickers meet every last Sunday of the month out-side Wilnecote High School and are great fun, a good community social event as well as helping in the local campaign against litter."

At the March litter pick, an Easter egg hunt will also take place encouraging families to join the event.

Anyone wishing to get involved can either turn up on the last Sunday of the month at 10.30am outside Wilnecote High School or can contact Coun Bates on 07921 823004.

Any children who take part will be rewarded with a special certificate for helping out on the day.