A Reader—a gardener from Bolesławiec—informed us about the matter:

At least three trespassing incidents have been recorded from 8 September to today.

They added:

Lamps, chairs, vegetables and tools are disappearing.

What should you do? How can you protect yourself against theft at allotment gardens?

Take care of the security of your garden shed and tools:

  • Sturdy locks—invest in good-quality padlocks and locks for the shed’s doors and windows.
  • Window bars—they can effectively make it more difficult for a thief to get inside.
  • Reinforced doors—it is worth equipping the shed with solid burglar-resistant doors.

Monitoring and lighting:

  • A camera or wildlife camera records movement on the allotment and may deter thieves.
  • Motion-sensor lighting—suddenly turning on the light may discourage burglars.
  • Neighbourhood watch—it is worth coordinating with other gardeners and watching for suspicious people.

Marking equipment and valuable items:

  • Engraving or marking—putting initials or special symbols on tools and equipment will make it more difficult for a thief to sell them.
  • Photos and an inventory of equipment—in the event of theft, it will be easier to report the losses and recover the stolen items.

Regular visits to the allotment:

  • Frequent visits make the allotment look occupied, which may deter potential thieves.
  • It is also worth asking neighbours to keep an eye on our allotment when we are away.

Why is it worth protecting your property at the allotment and in the garden?

  • Saving money—the loss of tools, equipment or garden furniture means having to buy new items.
  • Safety—a well-secured allotment reduces the risk of someone settling there without our consent.
  • Comfort and peace of mind—knowing that our property is secure allows us to enjoy relaxing at the allotment without stress.
  • Preventing further break-ins—thieves often return to places where they have previously managed to steal something.

What should you do if you suspect a break-in at your allotment or a neighbour’s?

Police advice:

  • Do not enter the allotment on your own—if you suspect that the thief is still there, do not risk a confrontation.
  • Notify the police—call the emergency number 112 and report the suspected break-in.
  • Do not touch anything—if a break-in has occurred, leave everything undisturbed so as not to destroy evidence.
  • Take photos of the damage—they will be useful as evidence for the police and for any possible insurance claim.
  • Inform the allotment garden management—in the case of allotment gardens, it is worth reporting the break-in to the management, which can warn other gardeners.
  • Talk to neighbours—if someone noticed suspicious people in the area, this may help identify the perpetrators.