Man Criticized for Taking Cans Arrested, Chief Says

The man whose probably won't be bothering them again anytime soon, Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp announced at Borough Council's Sept. 19 meeting.

Shupp said the man, who has been taking cans out of residents' recycling bins without their permission, was arrested Sept. 19 on narcotics charges "and the theft of the aluminum cans."

A borough ordinance prohibits individuals from taking cans out of recycling containers placed curb-side for pick-up.

Shupp explained that a resident of Detweiler Avenue alerted police when the man appeared in the morning.

At that point, he said, a bicycle officer went in and arrested the man.

"It worked out pretty well," he said of the operation, adding that "(the can-taking) should cease now, hopefully."

Shupp also reported that officers had recently "blitzed" a section of Apple Street in the borough, where motorists had reportedly been speeding.

As a result of the effort, vehicle speeds have been reduced in the residential area, he said.