AN appeal for Hertfordshire residents to report thefts from salt bins to the police has been made by the county council.

County Hall said Hertfordshire Highways had only recently filled the bins, before reports came in from around the county of salt being stolen.

Stuart Pile, executive member for highways and transport, said the thefts posed a “serious risk” to the travelling public and costs £45 to refill a bin every time the salt is taken.

Councillor Pile said: "We report incidents to the police, but without evidence of who is taking the salt it's extremely difficult to prosecute anyone for this.

“With over 1,000 bins in the county, we can't expect the police to keep a watch on all of them! So we're appealing to everyone - please only take salt for use on areas that are public highways.

“There's a cold spell coming and we need these supplies, both for our crews to use and for residents who want to help their communities."

Councillor Pile reminded residents: "Salt from salt bins can be used for salting and clearing snow from the pavement outside your property or business but should not be used for salting private driveways, footpaths, forecourts or other areas that are not part of the public highway.

“Salt bins are placed for public use at known trouble spots on the highway, and theft from these bins may compromise the safety of others as well as being a criminal offence.”

Empty salt bins should be reported to Hertfordshire Highways on www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults.

Suspicious activity can be reported to the police on 999 if the crime is in progress or on the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.