Plant theft from allotment plots

[flynch]

Someone has dug out and stolen several of my plants, including my rhubarb and my entire bed of 200+ strawberry plants. This is the second time this has happened this year. I've had my plot for three years and this problem has only just started after 6 new members moved in a few months ago. The site is in the middle of no where and completely concealed so i doubt it's anyone off site.

I need some tips on prevention and on catching the culprit. I was thinking about setting up some wildlife spy cams or some dummy cams as a cheaper deterrent. Anyone tried either with any success?

[self-contained]

That's awful. I would be so cross.

Cameras sound like a good idea. Has anyone else been affected who might want to go in with you on buying some?

[SarrissUK]

We had that on my former allotment site, or rather, it happened to some allotment holders there. Two of the older, more persistant fellas decided to stay the night there, in his shed to keep an eye out. Turns out it was one of the new plotholder's mother that went up late at night to help herself to everyone's fruits and berries. They instantly got chucked off the site.
200 strawberry plants stolen are not just disappointing for the loss of the future fruit, but the monetary investment! This is no less than theft and you should report it to the police and to the association for your plot. It mustn't be allowed to go on!

[burnie]

Might they not nick the camera? Have the police been informed?

[Bex2012]

Hate to say it, but you’ll probably find your plants potted up and down the local bootsale this weekend

Whoever managed to dig up rhubarb must be super strong as the roots on those things are unbelievable. Sorry for your loss, it’s devastating when it happens

[Baldy]

We've just had some children of a plotholder allegedly taking gooseberries... that is annoying, but 200 strawberry plants i industrial scale theft and I think you probably should report it to the old bill

[Earthgirl Jen]

Flynch I feel for you buddy x

I had it happen to me for near 10yrs (when I had a small plant nursery and I didn't live on site)

Folk used to ask me how I knew? but when you've lovingly grown most of them from either a seed or cutting , I could 'spot' what wasn't in it's right place...

Eventually we bough a small camera which we camouflaged and put up, within a week we had caught the 'thieving bar steward ' and my Mum even recognised him from the village shop. He'd even brought his young son to help him thieve!

The pics were very clear and the camera was less than £100 quid.

Best of Luck whatever you decide to do and Hugs x

[Rosemary7391]

You can buy "CCTV in this area" signs cheaply on eBay, so if the cameras are too expensive you could put a sign up while you save up - should help deter folk.

[Yasai]

Someone has dug out and stolen several of my plants, including my rhubarb and my entire bed of 200+ strawberry plants. This is the second time this has happened this year. I've had my plot for three years and this problem has only just started after 6 new members moved in a few months ago. The site is in the middle of no where and completely concealed so i doubt it's anyone off site.

I need some tips on prevention and on catching the culprit. I was thinking about setting up some wildlife spy cams or some dummy cams as a cheaper deterrent. Anyone tried either with any success?

That’s heartbreaking. It’s bad enough for me when I lose plants due to my own ineptitude. To think that people have the cheek to come along and help themselves to other people’s plants and produce just beggars belief. Hope you get it sorted out soon.

[Mikey]

Get a few signs for the entrance to the Site, CCTV in operation thieves will be prosecuted.

More often than not, the thought they are being watched will deter them from doing it again without having to go to the cost of the camera itself.

It's a really low thing to do, although I wouldn't jump to conclusions about it being the new plotholders without proof.

[mrbadexample]

I'd go for the camera, because I wouldn't want to deter them, I'd want to catch them.

[lottie dolly]

There is no word TO describe some actions,whoever or whatever dug em up,came armed with intent,have you had a look to see if any foot prints in the ground,or around the site for new plants apearing on other plots,if so do they look a bit droupy as if just planted in this dry weather,i would at least report it to the police,as thats what we have been tolled to do,the reason being,if they get reports from peeps,they know what is going on in their patch,it maybe build up a picture for them,after all,maybe home gardens have been struck that you not know off,also could you put something down that could be trod away by the feet,shoe tread marks ext,

[flynch]

I have reported it to the police, been given a crime number. I have also spoken to the committee and they sent a mass email about keeping an eye out and challenging anyone any members in areas of the site they have no reason to be. The site has a ridden camera facing the entrance only and no unknown cars have accessed the site nor has the perimeter been disturbed so is sadly 100% another member. Another plot holder has had currant bushes stolen, no sign on other plots so either taken for sale, garden or another plot on a different site (ours is a private site so nothing stopping people having additional plots on other sites).

Looking at trail cams that I can hide in a birdhouse.

[veggiechicken]

Does the hidden camera facing the entrance also record cars leaving the site?
Maybe it would have picked up a car leaving with more plants on board?

[lottie dolly]

Does the hidden camera facing the entrance also record cars leaving the site?
Maybe it would have picked up a car leaving with more plants on board?

Or a trailer,wheel barrow with plants in going out,any early morning or late evening activity around the days of theft.