I have called the police department countless times about these recycling thefts; however, I stopped calling, because I felt that the dispatchers were not taking the calls seriously, because they always declined to tell me if there were any officers available for the call, or they would advise that they would get to it at some point.

I also noticed that a lot of officers were available for calls (909) on the police scanner, but not being dispatched to these calls in a timely manner. In fact, I noticed that the same officers that were eventually being dispatched to these calls were making traffic stops (908T), or engaging in other activities, and not being made aware of the recycling theft calls. By the time they are eventually dispatched, the recycling thieves are long gone.

I called ACI and I asked them about these type of thefts, and they said that it is costing Alameda citizens countless thousands of dollars in their fees, because CRV redemptions are not being recouped by ACI, and that the fees are being passed along to customers.

I agree. A woman comes in to our backyard and steals the recycling for all three units every week. I have told her repeatedly to stop, but she keeps coming back. I'm not in a position to hold her there while I wait for the police. What should I do?

Thank you for your notification. Your messages have been forwarded to the Lieutenant in charge of that sector.

Alameda Police Department

I saw this woman at the South Shore mall on Sunday in broad daylight. No security stopped her.

I talked to a police officer about this and learned the police are short staffed in the city of Alameda. It's not a priority for them. For things to change, more people are going to have to complain. . . OR the problem will have to get a lot worse before anything happens! How unfortunate. Alameda already looks like a big garbage dump in certain areas!

If this concerns anyone else in Alameda. . . now is the time to express your concerns!

I've noticed this to be an ongoing problem also, not only are they trespassing on my property, and stealing recyclables they are also causing a liability if they trip and fall.
Furthermore I have witnessed them getting into brand new vehicles with the recyclables, this is a Kane run in many different cities I think Alameda step up to the plate and set an example thank you for your time in this matter and I don't think this should be closed until it's addressed fully....

The police department does take thefts of recyclable material serious, however it is a call that the officer can not arrest for without a citizen signing a citizens arrest form. The officer must observe the theft taking place in order to arrest or cite the suspect. Officers do respond to all calls for service, but they are prioritized by seriousness of the crime. Please continue to call these thefts in, and officers will continue to respond.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 337-8498.

Lt Munoz