The bins for the flats I live in are arranged along the path to the front door of the building, with a gate leading out onto the street. Not long after I moved in last year, I noticed about once a week or so (but without any regularity), an elderly man coming through the gate, and rooting through one of the recycling bins, taking magazine, standing there going through them, and walking off with a bag of them. He can sometimes be out there for 30mins before going on to the neighbours too. I've tried to speak to him, and politely asked him not to go through our bins, but he's completely incomprehensible - talks gibberish, ignores you, gets agitated. The last time he was doing it, he was yelling randomly at passersby as well, which makes me worried that it's getting worse and he might not stay harmless - my thinly veiled is uncomfortable having to try and get past him if she comes home and he's there.

I don't really know what I can do though. I don't think he's homeless, though he might be. I can't lock our front gate because it's impractical. I don't think the police will give a shit even if nicking magazines from your bins is technically theft. Is there some sort of council service that will care?