City police recommend residents secure their trashcans after a 700 block N. Fayette St. resident lost hers in an overnight theft late last month.

The homeowner reported the missing waste receptacle, stored behind her residence, about 10:12 a.m. on  August 30, though authorities believe the theft occurred overnight, said Ashley Hildebrandt, department spokeswoman. The suspects also spilled maroon paint on the nearby sidewalk, according to police reports. 

Authorities dont know how the thieves got behind her home or whether the trashcan was full or empty at the time. They also dont know what motivated the crime, though it is under investigation, Hildebrandt said.