Emergency grit bins are being raided by people keen to clear icy paths around their homes – with stocks running low in some areas.

About half the grit has been taken from bins in Walsall, leaving stocks in some areas “worryingly low”, and the council warned today that raiders are putting people’s lives at risk. More than 170 bins are installed across Walsall at “critical” points close to hills and sharp bends.

Walsall Council transport chief Councillor Tom Ansell said: “We have grit bins at places where there are potential dangers like hills and bends in the road.

“It is hugely disappointing to have to say that people are stealing grit. Overall half the grit has been taken from bins leaving stocks in some places worryingly low.

“What worries me is if an ambulance or a fire engine was called out on a hill when there is no grit to make it safe. What we are doing is asking people to refrain from helping themselves from these emergency grit bins.”

Staffordshire County Council has had two grit bins and their contents stolen. Spokeswoman Michelle Hunt said: “There have been incidents in the evening with lorries being loaded up from bins.”

Dudley Council spokesman Chris Howes said: “Each year we receive information from the public regarding grit being used on non-public areas. We would encourage people to use the grit for its intended purposes to make sure public highways remain clear.”

Sandwell Council housing chief Councillor Mahboob Hussain said: “We have no doubt that this does happen in some areas of Sandwell but we have no reports of blackspot areas. Residents can buy their own rock salt from DIY shops or builders merchants.”

Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: “We have not yet received any reports of people stealing from emergency bins. But I would state that it is vital the salt is kept for use on the highway and not for private use.”