Yobs vandalise allotments
Vandals have targeted one of Wolverhampton's largest allotment sites, trampling vegetables, breaking into sheds and stealing tools.
Vandals have targeted one of Wolverhampton's largest allotment sites, trampling vegetables, breaking into sheds and stealing tools.
Disheartened plot-holders at the Howell Road site in Parkfields have suffered six break-ins in two weeks. Now gardeners are anxious to install new security fencing to prevent yobs from trashing a recent extension for disabled allotment-holders featuring raised beds and other facilities.
There is also a rolling programme of replacing old wooden panels with metal bar fencing around the perimeter.
Tony Hallam, site secretary, said several sheds had been burgled and spades, forks, hoses, a new wheelbarrow and other equipment stolen. "One of the sheds was brand new," he said.
"We've also had crops damaged with youngsters walking over them and pulling up vegetables and throwing things around.
"One grower had all the covers over his greens pulled off, tied together and thrown over someone else's plot. They caused chaos. It's a general problem but it's been particularly bad lately."
With 75 plots, Howell Road is one of the biggest allotment sites in the city. Recently it received £50,000 under the ABCD regeneration scheme to spend on new facilities for the disabled, and plot-holders hope to build a community room and toilets when more money becomes available.
Mr Hallam said: "Unfortunately fences don't seem to keep the trouble-makers out. They climb over them or find some other way of breaking in."
Jonathan Pugh, the council's allotments officer, said: "Vandalism is a problem. We encourage plot-holders to report all thefts and damage to the police."
Allotment and shed owners are being advised by police to be vigilant.
A vandal-plagued allotment in Robert Road, Tipton, is to have a second row of fencing installed in a bid to keep thieves and vandals out, while plot-holders are being forced to take home all their equipment because of increased numbers of shed break-ins.
Two weeks ago, thieves stole £50,000 worth of equipment from a landscape and building supplier in South Staffordshire. Goods stolen from OCL Kingswinford, in Hinksford Lane, Swindon, included seven sit-on lawnmowers, more than 50 pedestrian lawnmowers and various strimmers and hedge cutters.
More than 100 items were taken from the business, formerly known as Tafs.
