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Gardeners band together to watch their allotments
"Allotment watches" are springing up across Peterborough as gardeners desperately try to protect their carefully cultivated plots from vandals and thieves.
"Allotment watches" are springing up across Peterborough as gardeners desperately try to protect their carefully cultivated plots from vandals and thieves.The extreme move follows a spate of thefts and criminal damage at allotments in Bretton and Orton, with wheelbarrows and spades pilfered, and, in some cases, plants and vegetables dug up by their roots from plots.
And holders are now looking to fortify their patches of land with fencing in a bid to keep the thieves out of their tranquil havens
At Hartwell Way, Bretton, allotment holders have recently banded together, a move Jim Emery said was "a shame".
Retired Jim (69), who lives in nearby Middleton, said they decided to form a group to combat the recent criminal damage.
Do you have an allotment?
Are you worried about vandals and thieves?
Comment below, email us: news@ peterboroughtoday.co.uk or write us a letter now.
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Jim said: "For me, the allotment gives me a chance to grow things, especially in these credit crunch times, and also keeps me occupied.
"Now we are forced to take tools, chairs and other stuff back and forward every day, because we are scared someone will take it.
"We need new gates or some security fencing to keep the thieves out.
"It's such a lovely way to spend time, and everyone looks out for each other and helps them out, it would be a shame for it to be spoiled by a few."
In Bifield, Orton Longueville, allotment holders are taking it turns to patrol their area in the daytime and evening in a bid to deter thieves.
And ward councillor for Orton Longueville Janet Goodwin said she was speaking to the council about having a fence erected around the allotments at Bifield, however, she feared the cost may be prohibitive.
Cllr Goodwin said: "Residents and allotment holders have rung me about problems there and we are in talks with the council, but a fence would cost 16,000, so we will have to wait and see.
"They are just trying to keep their allotment safe, as people put a lot of time and effort into their land."
Police in Orton are also stepping up patrols around the area at night, and in Bretton the police have asked people to contact them if they see anyone behaving suspiciously in the vicinity.
If you have any information about stolen goods from allotments, call police on 0345 456 4564.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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