Residents in Dudley are being asked to foot the bill after a spate of thefts of garden waste wheelie bins.

New figures show 349 of the green plastic bins were wheeled away by thieves from outside people’s homes in the Dudley borough in the space of a year.

Residents who fall victim are asked to pay £25 if they want the bin replaced.

However, the council says there is discretion to waive the charge if a householder can prove they have taken good care to prevent damage or theft of their bins.

Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for environment and culture, said many of the bins were taken by youths, who used them to build bonfires to keep warm while they drank beer.

He added that the thefts escalated during the autumn and winter and that the north of the borough – Gornal, Sedgley and Coseley – was hit the most.

Tony and Hazel Timmins, both aged 64, of Tiled House Lane, Pensnett, were staggered after their green recycling bin was stolen from the edge of their drive – and the council then demanded £25 for a replacement.

“The bin was full of privet as well, so we couldn’t understand why anyone would want to steal it, particularly as it has our house number in big letters on it,” said Mr Timmins, a retired bus driver.

The council says that since September, 11 residents have paid for the replacement of stolen bins.

Councillor Stanley said: “There is some discretion regarding stolen bins, which are assessed on an individual basis.

“For instance, some people have no choice if they live in a terraced house and have to leave their bins on display.”

He added that there had been cases of residents fraudulently requesting a replacement bin, claiming that it was stolen.

West Midlands Police said officers in Dudley were not aware of a problem with stolen wheelie bins.