Allotment theft - tips on preventing it?

[Two_Sheds]

Crop Theft

There've been quite a few reports of crop thefts in the press recently. Neatly laid out plots with all the veggies in full view and accessible are just asking to be nicked.

My beds are interspersed with flowers, so to the untrained eye, it looks like I am only growing flowers (or weeds, as the Old Boys call them).

[Two_Sheds]

Vandalism

last year we had a lot of trouble from the adjacent High School, with bricks hurled at greenhouses, chickens let out of coops, kids trampling on veg etc.

We repaired the perimeter fence: not with wire, which can be cut, but with brambles, which is the best deterrant I know, and free too.

Rather than "chasing off" any kids found on site (some genuinely thought it was a legitimate short-cut to school) and risking hurt feelings and revenge, I would approach the kids in a friendly, if slightly batty manner and ask if they were lost, could I help them. And then escorted them off the site. All very friendly, no swearing necessary.

In addition, I wrote a very stern letter to the Headmaster, saying how upset people were at having their sheds & veg vandalised all the time. How would he like us to rampage through his own garden, smashing it up? He replied that the children were not under his control once they were off the premises. However, the vandalism petered out, so I reckon he did have a few choice words to say during assembly.

[Two_Sheds]

Bees

The best sign to put up is not "Private Keep Out" which just invites trouble, but something that warns of bee/wasp/hornets nesting on site, which are liable to swarm at anytime if disturbed. A few fake beehives dotted around would be quite convincing too.

[Two_Sheds]

Tool thefts

If you buy your tools cheap from a carboot, ask yourself (and the stallholder) where the tools have came from? If you think they are likely to have been stolen from an allotment, don't buy them.

[Pootle]

Encourage a wildlife section around vulnerable areas - nettles or wild roses etc. Thefts are probably more likely during hours of darkness or when general visability is less good so your thief is more likely to stumble into the prickles/nettles and give up.

This principle works at home too - leave the house looking as though it's already been turned over and thieves will just abandon it as a job already done (this is my explanation for the state of our house )

[CharlotteE]

Thanks everyone! Brilliant tips. Keep an eye out in the October issue

[Zedman]

Smartwater

NB I do not work for Smartwater so please dont think this is advertising but having chatted on the phone today this offer seemed really good value and I have made all our members aware, I am the chairman of the Jubilee Allotments in Knaresborough and organised the discount code with our local police, have a read and if your are interested I would suggest you make a call to Smartwater and ask them how you can organise a discount code which may involve your local crime prevention bobby or they may just give you a code.

PS I purchased a £3.50 UV keyfob at the same time (I will try it at carboot sales and tip off police if I see any suspect equipment)



Hello Jubilee members

I am sure that most of you are aware of recent breakins at our site and to help prevent and deter these criminals I have been in conversation with a company called Smartwater.

In a nutshell the product does not prevent theft but acts as a deterent by invisibly marking obects so they can be traced back their registered owner, thus making it very risky for criminals to be caught in possesion of these items

“Forensic Taggant:
Suitable for the marking of all manner of valuables including personal possessions, business assets, vehicles and boats, SmartWater’s forensic taggant solution is as robust as it is versatile. The liquid carries a forensic ‘code’ which is registered to an address or location. Once applied it is almost impossible to remove and can only be seen under UV light. Forensic analysis provides conclusive proof of ownership.”

We have been able to organise a discount code that will allow individuals to purchase the product at a greatly discounted rate of £25

Please find an attached flyer detailing a special offer that SmartWater is currently running. This will allow our members to purchase a SmartWater 1-4 Bedroom Home Security Pack for a one-off cost of just £25.00, with no annual fees. This is the exact same SmartWater pack that is usually sold on the website for an annual subscription basis for £59.88 per annum, so the cost saving to your members is considerable.
(this should be sufficient to do your home, allotment possessions, car radio and any other items you want to protect)

I have already tested the site and purchased a pack for myself, VAT and postage are included in the £25

While the discount code has been organised by the site we leave it up to you to decide if you want the product.

To purchase Smartwater simply visit the site: SmartWater Shop Buy SmartWater Online.... and use code ######## <--- Please apply for your own code

Full details in the attached leaflet provided by Smartwater ( I cant attach the leaflet because it has our code on it but feel free to call them they are very helpful)

Or visit SmartWater - The Crime Fighting Company to find out more

[Bigmallly]

Forgive me for being a bit suss but most newcomers introduce themselves, not reply to a thread dated 2008.

[bretty666]

If using locks...do not use combination locks. they are so easy to crack you wouldnt beleive it!! Even the "good" ones . If you are going to use a lock for tools dig a hole in the corner of your shed a spade deep by 50cm2 anchor a hoop into it the thickest hoop you can find then fill with concrete leaving a bit of the hoop showing that is protruding enough to pass a wire towing cable through then use the cable to lock your tools up with a bolt cropper proof padlock.

[Bill HH]

I know this is an old thread but feel compelled to add my two pennorth. regarding sheds, as has been stated locking them is an invitaion. My Idea is to hang strings in the doorway from a detachable piece of wood, like the beads they hang to stop flies. Then soak the strings in the foulest smelling stuff you can find, a paste of cat and dog poo would be ideal. When the vandals enter in the dark this will be dragged across their nasty little necks and faces. Just one tip, dont forget to take it down before you enter the shed yourself. If you are a bit fussy substitute the poo for old black engine oil, it would completely ruin their expensive designer hoodies. It wont stop them but it will bring a smile to your face.

[alldigging]

And piles of soft fresh muck around any access points will dirty trainers - just think how deep they'll go when they land..

[bearded bloke]

Forgive me for being a bit suss but most newcomers introduce themselves, not reply to a thread dated 2008.

Comment noted & checked

Scrappies around here scan for Smartwater on any suspect load Also will say my scooter is marked with it & after sending a copy of the certificate to my insurance company the premium was reduced

[Bigmallly]

After having my shed broke into, I put a trip wire across the entrance about 6" off the ground...............it worked....

[snakeshack]

I know this is an old thread but feel compelled to add my two pennorth. regarding sheds, as has been stated locking them is an invitaion. My Idea is to hang strings in the doorway from a detachable piece of wood, like the beads they hang to stop flies. Then soak the strings in the foulest smelling stuff you can find, a paste of cat and dog poo would be ideal. When the vandals enter in the dark this will be dragged across their nasty little necks and faces. Just one tip, dont forget to take it down before you enter the shed yourself. If you are a bit fussy substitute the poo for old black engine oil, it would completely ruin their expensive designer hoodies. It wont stop them but it will bring a smile to your face.

I like to leave a bucket of comfrey tea just inside the door!


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[Deano's "Diggin It"]

I know this is an old thread but feel compelled to add my two pennorth. regarding sheds, as has been stated locking them is an invatation! Agreed! old black engine oil, it would completely ruin their expensive designer hoodies. It wont stop them but it will bring a smile to your face.

Bill! Gave me a proper "Chuckle On"