Damage on Allotments

[bubblewrap]

My allotment site is surrounded by houses & some of the plots are run by people who live there so an eye is generally kept on them.
We have had a small amount of produce nicked but nothing serious.

[NOG]

We had to ban petrol and petrol tools being left on the site as they were burning down sheds with it.

[Alison]

Took the decision to deliberately not lock the shed as a few people I know have had their sheds broken into, lots of damage done, only for the breaker in to discover that there is nothing of value there. Only keep cheap tools I can easily replace in the shed and anybody can find that out without having to break the door in - my shed is more important to me that the contents!

[tricky]

I think that a wise decision Alison , my spade is in me compost bin and probably worth £2.50.When my shed goes up nothing of values going in , a plastic chair , an old bowl (for washing hands ) .I aint even keeping seeds in there , its going to be my bolt hole incase it rains.

[matthew2riches]

I got broken into a little while back.

See what happened fully, here's the blog article... The Eco Life Morland Road Allotments Plot 79 Allotment Shed Break In

[jollygold]

Had my shed trashed this week-- I think they wanted the whole thing complete but son-in-law had bolted it down so that was a no go. Instead they took all my tools even down to the ball of string! However the local police have been very helpful and set up a meeting for allotment holders and are going to give me a "smart water" kit to mark stuff, (along with the pink and orange paint I'm going to buy)
However, the upside of this story is the fantastic support I've had from other allotment holders. They really are a great bunch.

[Two_Sheds]

We had an intruder yesterday lunchtime. He nipped over the fences and was walking purposefully towards my plot !
I said "hello, how are you?" all friendly like, and he went out the main gate.

Other plot-holders may treat intruders and short-cutters with contempt, rudeness and swearing, but I think that puts people's backs up and they come back to vandalise.

Also, I am sensible ... I don't leave valuables (tools) in the shed, and I leave the door unlocked (so it doesn't get busted)

[Gwyndy]

Our site is fully fenced and gated but sadly we still get occasional problems with break-ins to sheds. The golden rule is - don't keep anything of monetary or sentimental value at the site. I do lock my shed, others don't bother now.

[russell]

I had a watering can tlen recently. Not worth bothering about - but still it's theft.

[raine]

had a few cabbages nicked but nothing else unfortunately 2 people have had their sheds burned down. We get a few empty vodka/cider bottles so i think kids go up and have a drink but they haven't hurt anything on my plot-yet!

[oggie68]

2 weekends running the little loves have been on our lotte. Caused a lot of damage sheds green houses cold frames all smashed. Veg up rooted thrown about.Water utts and compost bins turned over paint thrown all over spray cans to TAG all the sheds with MC Burberry. Killed a load of Frogs. One little girl was really upset about her sunflowers she has planted.Police have been ok with help and have promised some surveillance if it happens again. A local councillor has promised to help and try and tighten security. We have a gate and a 9 FT fence all round. But rats get in anywhere. I would love to have 5 mins and a very large leek with them, guess where the leek would go.

[Dynamo]

My friends allotment association recently applied for, and received, a grant to install CCTV. Maybe everyone here who has problems with vandals should look into it too.

[Nicos]

On our previous plot we had gypsies camping in the school playing fields next door
Three consecutive summers before the council finally made the entrance caravan/trailer proof
They broke anything thy could - sh@t on the beds and pathways- played football with the plants- kicked off the taps so the water had to be turned off- and nicked equipment,fruit and veg and some of the chooks.
Also wandered round in the evening in groups intimidating the plot holders.

We lasted 3 years then moved site.

The worst thing nicked at the second site were my cherries,gooseberries and currants by the local jays


If you know which site you'd be allocated a plot on, then go and chat with the other peeps already down there , just for peace of mind!!

Pop your name down asap as other peeps suggest- you can always back out!!

[snakeshack]

have placed my shed on old sleepers to which it is attached with coach screws,I put builders membrane down first to stop weeds,my good tools now go under the shed,with my stove and brew kit the ends are hidden with old compost bags shoved in.the shed is unlocked and too heavy to carry away.the only thing of value in it is some pots and the dogs water bowl.

[marmalade]

well I've put my name down