Break-ins at Weymouth and Dorchester Recycling Centres Prompt Safety Warning
A small number of break-ins have recently been reported at Household Recycling Centres in Weymouth and Dorchester, causing damage to facilities and disruption to services.
Those responsible for the sites have stressed that their top priority is public safety. Recycling centres are hazardous environments, containing dangerous materials and heavy machinery. When sites are accessed without supervision—particularly outside of opening hours—the risk of serious injury is significantly increased.
All incidents have been reported to Dorset Police and are currently under active investigation. CCTV footage from the sites has been shared with police, and one individual has already been identified.
How the public can help
Residents are being asked to support efforts to keep these essential community facilities safe:
- Parents and carers are encouraged to speak with young people about why recycling centres must only be used during opening hours and when trained staff are present.
- Anyone witnessing suspicious activity should not intervene, but instead report it to Dorset Police via official channels, either online or by calling 101. In an emergency, 999 should be used.
- Those with information related to the incidents are urged to share it directly with Dorset Police.
- Social media users are asked not to post names, images, or speculation about those involved. Any comments that could identify individuals will be removed.
Repairs have now been completed, debris cleared, and safety checks carried out to ensure both recycling centres are secure and fully operational.
Site operators have thanked the community for their cooperation, emphasising that preventing unauthorised access helps protect people from harm and ensures recycling services can continue to operate smoothly for everyone.
