Allotments in Medway Road, Sheerness, damaged as vandals go on rampage
06:00, 23 June 2013
Vandals cut through a fence before going on a wrecking spree at an allotment.
At least four plots at the site in Medway Road, Sheerness, were targeted with gardening equipment stolen and damage done to a number of sheds, including one which was pushed over.
Police are investigating the incident, which happened overnight last Sunday.
From one shed, a trowel, spade and garden knife are missing and other items taken include a mini gas stove, wheelbarrow, weed killer and seed.
Sheppey Horticultural Society manages the area, which has roughly 90 plots, and chairman Dave Hale says unfortunately theft and vandalism is something allotment holders all over the country have to deal with regularly.
However, he says they are taking measures to try and tackle the problem by working with police.
Island PCSOs have access to the site and often patrol it.
“It’s unfortunate these people feel they want to be destructive rather than constructive,” Mr Hale said.
“Allotment holders do what they do to enjoy it and it’s a shame they [the vandals] feel they must come into allotment sites and steal tools.
“There are young families who have allotments here which is a good thing as it’s getting children and younger family members interested – that’s doing something constructive so it’s a pity there has been this vandalism.
“We are a friendly society – lots of people know each other and it’s a great way of meeting new people so it’s such a shame there are those who want to be destructive.
“I think it would be a good thing if they actually stood and thought about what they are doing rather than acting mindlessly.
“Allotments by their very nature are open so it happens throughout the country – it’s not just us.
“Like all societies we do try to take as many measures as we can to stop these vandals and the destruction – which is completely unnecessary.”
- Anyone with information about the vandalism can phone police on 101, quoting crime references XY/017640/13; XY/017641/13; XY/017642/13 or XY/017802/13.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 2
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
2 - 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
16 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Mum joined teen son in smashing up ex’s family home and car