Thieves target Redbridge allotments in series of raids

Two allotments are being repeatedly targeted by thieves who steal machinery and produce.

Fullwell Avenue allotment, Barkingside and New North Road allotment, Hainault, have been raided six times in the past four weeks, prompting plot holders to remove valuable goods from their sheds.

Chairman of New North Road allotment David Sevant described the thefts as “annoying”.

“The most recent theft has been copper piping, which is used to water the crops,” he said.

“The thieves must have thought they would make hundreds out of the metal, but it’s worth pennies.

“We’ve had to replace it with a substitute, which cost us �230. But it’s not the money, it’s the inconvenience. Luckily we’ve had a lot of rain so the crops haven’t needed watering.”

He said fruit and vegetables have also been stolen.

Mr Sevant said: “Strawberries are very popular, and earlier this year we discovered a whole plot of potatoes had disappeared.

“The back of the Fullwell allotment seems to be used as some sort of dumping ground for stolen goods. I’ve found two handbags down there before with nothing in them.”

A police spokesman said: “Do not leave valuables on site. Any tools left on site should be securely bolted to something substantial or put in a storage container. Ideally, no tools or valuables should be left on site, but taken home at the end of the day.”

•If you have any information about the thefts, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.