Help with Bin Cage

[Bryony]

I am making a bin cage as I am hoping to get a Syrian in the new year. The clear storage bin (opaque) I am using is 81 x 62 x 43cm. I would like to put a cut out at the front with some mesh so that I can see my hamster and he can look out, but I'm a bit confused as to how I can do this and not make it easy for him to escape?

If I cut a hole in the plastic and then put mesh on the outside won't that leaves the inner plastic rim for him to chew on and escape? If I put the mesh on the inside, is that dangerous for him?

I had gerbils in the past that managed to escape through the small hole meant to put their water bottle through (eventually found) and I'm scared I will have a repeat!
If anyone has built bin cages this way and has any experience/ advice I would be very grateful!