During the autumn and winter period, thieves take advantage of allotment gardeners’ limited activity and ruthlessly steal valuable items left on allotments.
Police:
We remind you that the most important thing is to properly secure your property, as this offers the best protection against the risk of becoming a victim of crime. In their daily service, police officers take measures aimed at limiting these incidents; however, the involvement of allotment gardeners themselves in securing their property is most important.
How can you make your allotment safe?
- valuable items—mowers, saws, electronic equipment and generators—are best not left on the allotment
- keep warranty documents for new equipment with its serial numbers. Valuable items should be marked permanently and visibly, and photographic documentation should be made
- secure the shed or allotment cottage as you would your own home—installing certified locks in doors, windows and gates will certainly deter thieves
- the security measures should be checked from time to time after locking up. (The owner’s absence for several months and the lack of changes on the allotment are easy to notice and exploit)
- while staying at the allotment, pay attention to strangers loitering in the area without apparent purpose; this may be how thieves gather information
- it is worth taking care of security on the allotments together with your neighbours: get to know them, exchange phone numbers, and watch your allotments and any worrying situations
- any threats, suspicions and dangerous situations in the area should be reported to the police immediately.
(Help and advice can be obtained from the community police officer responsible for the area where your allotment is located.)