Theft of Recyclables Is More Than a Nuisance

Janet Bernson (“Whose Trash Is It Anyway,” Valley Commentary, June 11) should reconsider her thoughts about “going back to sleep.”

I live in a 290-unit townhouse complex. Three weeks ago, as I was leaving for work, I noticed a young man removing papers from the yellow bins. His car was weighted down with recyclables. I took his license number, phoned the police and advised our security as well.

Unfortunately, the police can’t patrol constantly and security is not here around the clock. Since I first saw this (in broad daylight), two garbage days have passed and he has been here both times.

I, for one, felt violated: After all, a theft took place. There is a jail sentence and a fine to fit the crime. The thought that disturbs me the most is what else could these people be looking for or happen upon?

JOANNE MICON

Chatsworth