Allotment Theft

Horsecrazy

Just visited our patch and found that someone has been at my carrots. I first thought it was an animal, but having spoken to a few others, it would appear that a number of people have been targeted and a hand fork and trowel were found, so that rules out the 4 legged creatures.
Most annoyed, as they are just the right size for harvesting. I wouldn't mind if was someone very needy, but I expect its someone chancing their luck.:(

RAS

It is amazing how many people think this is OK.

One of the better ones was a woman and child walking round sampling everything. When she was challenged her reply (whilst junior raided yet more stuff) was "well it's free". She was royally shocked when told that people paid rent, water rates, and that seed and plants cost money, before even counting people's time.

We even get plot holders harvesting from other plots; last year t'Committee had to give one couple a final notice after they were spotted leaving with goods that they did not grow, having been on another plot where said items were grow

It is the summer and I expect that some people are going to try it.

gazza975526570

I ha a couple of cabbages nicked not long since.

It really annoyed me. End of the day they are 50pence or so in the supermarket but the effort i put in was far beyone this.

My OH was telling me her grandad used to put razor blades in them!!! Now thats excessive but probs did the trick!

lola34

My Dad had this problem years ago and it did go on for a while, he had a large plot infront of a small cottage building in the village where we lived in the end the Police were involved and they caught them!!!!!

macma

I think this is common everywhere,both from outsiders and from other plotholders.The other evening a woman was seen wandering from plot to plot and she left with two full carrier bags:mad:.
We've also got an old boy who helps himself to other plotholders best specimens to put in the flower show:rotfl:you couldn't make it up.
But why people don't think it's stealing is beyond me

Kay_Peel

Have you heard of Allotment Watch? There are some very good schemes around the country if you google AW. It's part of Neighbourhood Watch and is directly linked to the Watch Scheme coordinator at a police station.

Here's an example that includes leaflets on how to improve security:

http://www.yorkcommunitywatch.org.uk/york_allotment_watch.php

savingmummy

Grr that is disgraceful!!
I was brought up backing onto a lake and fields and on one side is an allotment, we never dreamed of even going into the allotments let alone helping ourselves!!
Last time we ever heard of bad things was some of the plots had been set alight by thugs, this was after they had been redone following severe floods
I really did feel for the plot holders as they had lost so much and had worked so hard to get it back on track only for vandals to destroy it!

angelavdavis

Our allotments operate a zero tolerance to anyone found taking other plot-holders crops. It is instant eviction.