(REUTERS)    Thefts prompt warning on gifts to garbage collectors
Thefts prompt warning on gifts to garbage collectors
 
    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec 21 (Reuters) - Residents
of a posh Vancouver suburb were advised on Friday that if they
were giving gifts to their garbage collectors they should do it
in person.
    Police said they were investigating reports that a "Grinch
may be preying in West Vancouver," by stealing gifts left by
residents on the roadside for crews that collect the town's
rubbish and recycling materials.
    "It is unknown how widespread this kind of offense may be
as neither the benefactor would know if their gift reached its
intended recipient nor would the receiver ever know if a gift
was left," police said in a statement.
    Police said they stopped a vehicle suspected of stealing
roadside gifts, but could not file charges against the
occupants because investigators were unable to determine if any
the property they had was stolen.
    "The West Vancouver Police Department would like to
recommend that those generous residents who are rewarding our
hard-working labourers, make a point of present your token of
appreciation in person," the police statement said.
   ((Allan Dowd, Reuters Vancouver Bureau 604-664-7314, fax
604-681-0491))
 REUTERS
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