During the autumn and winter period, thieves take advantage of allotment gardeners’ limited activity and ruthlessly steal valuable items left there.

Police:

We remind you that the most important thing is to properly secure your property, as this is the best way to protect yourself from 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 of paramount importance.

What can you do to keep your allotment safe?

  • It is best not to leave valuable items (mowers, saws, electronic equipment or generators) at the allotment.
  • Keep the warranty documents for new equipment, including its serial numbers. Valuable items should be marked in a permanent and visible manner, and photographic documentation should be prepared.
  • Secure the garden pavilion or allotment house as you would your own home—installing certified locks in the doors, windows and gates will certainly deter thieves.
  • The security measures should be checked from time to time after the property has been locked up. The owner’s absence for several months and the lack of changes at the allotment are easy to notice and exploit for theft.
  • While staying at the allotment, it is worth paying attention to strangers loitering in the area without an apparent purpose—this may be how thieves gather information.
  • It is worth taking care of security at the allotments together with your neighbours—get to know them, exchange phone numbers, and keep an eye on one another’s allotments and any worrying situations.
  • Any threats, suspicions or dangerous situations in the area should be reported to the police on an ongoing basis.

Help and advice can be obtained from the community police officer responsible for the area where your allotment is located.