Since the beginning of the year there has been 132 incidents across the area with the majority linked to teenage anti-social behaviour.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has revealed that the recent fires could cost the taxpayer as much as £3,300 – with the average replacement bin costing £25.

Ed Foster, head of public safety and regulation at Newcastle City Council, said: ‘Tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour is a top priority for us as we know the detrimental impact it can have on the lives of our residents.

‘Setting fire to wheelie bins is incredibly dangerous and the attacks put unnecessary pressures on resources.

‘Everybody should feel safe in their own home and in their neighbourhoods so we will continue to working closely with our partners to identify the offenders and keep our communities safe.

‘As the weather improves and during the school holidays, we will be encouraging young people to take part in a wide range of programmes across the city, where they can gain valuable life skills and thrive.’

Station manager of TWFRS Ian Stewart commented: ‘We are experiences issues with wheelie bin fires across the Service area and we are working closely with police, the local authority and housing providers to address it.

‘Many of these bin fires are linked to youth anti-social behaviour and we are concerned that some young people are putting themselves at risk.

‘They may consider this to be harmless fun but it leaves the taxpayer out of pocket, residents with no bin and young people are putting themselves at risk.’