HOUSEHOLD waste collections to many homes in the Taunton area were later than usual yesterday, Monday, December 14, after thieves stole the batteries from 14 lorries.
Staff turning up for work were unable to start their vehicles and had to wait for replacement batteries before beginning their rounds.
Garden waste collections were also delayed, although recycling boxes were emptied as normal.
A spokesman said that Kier, Somerset Waste Partnership's waste collection contractor "worked to put the vehicles back into operation all day", but there was some inevitable "impact on certain parts of the service".
He added: "Scrap dealers are urged to be on watch for these 12-volt truck batteries being offered for sale and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police."
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