Almost half of the sheds at the allotments at Thorpe St Andrew, on Newbury Way, were left with locks prised open, doors swinging and smashed windows after vandals struck. The crime happened at some point between 4pm last Thursday, after the allotment gate was locked, and 8am on Friday.  Norfolk police and Thorpe St Andrew Town Council, which owns the allotments, are appealing for more information, while allotment holders have been left angry.

Bob Oakley, of Newbury Way, who tends one of the plots on the site, said: “It's just stupidity. A lot of people take pride in their plots and it's not fair that these yobs ruin it for them.” The 50-year-old said his window had been smashed the week before this latest incident and he would now be taking extra security measures.
Trevor Hill, 58, of Roundway Down, said: I've got three locks on my door now - it's just sheer vandalism.

“It's one of those things you can't stop; you can't police this sort of thing, especially at this time of year when there are not enough people about.”

Steven Ford, town clerk, is urging allotment holders to report any losses or damage to the police. He said: “We would encourage anyone who passes by to be vigilant and look out for activity that does not look normal.

“It would be very useful to get some descriptions and if anyone finds anything they do not recognise in their sheds they should let the police know as it could have been left behind by whoever was responsible for the break ins.”

A police spokeswoman also appealed for anyone who is aware of any rowdy or suspicious behaviour in this area to contact the police. The town council is also appealing for information after a lorry driver caused £2,000 worth of damage to a street lighting column at the junction of Pound Lane and Booty Road between 10pm and 8am on the same night as the shed break-ins.

Anyone with information about either incident should call Norfolk police on 0845 4564567 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Source: The Norwich Evening News