Sheds torched at Hawkesbury's Shilton Lane allotments

[dutchman]

Plot holders at Hawkesbury's Shilton Lane allotments who have faced arson, vandalism and the theft of several greenhouses say they are “absolutely gutted” that four sheds were torched – destroying thousands of pounds worth of equipment.


(left to right) Colin Hayes, Leanne Phelps and Chris Keen

Gardeners on the huge site in Shilton Lane, Hawkesbury, on the outskirts of Coventry, have gone to incredible lengths to try to beat the criminals who have targeted the site over the years.

They have replaced the gates, fenced off part of the site and replaced their fire-damaged shop with an arson-proof shipping container.

But vandals keep coming back and last Wednesday they torched four sheds and a greenhouse.

One plot that was decimated belonged to twins Bob and Kevin Wakeling. All that was left of their shed was burnt wood and several pieces of machinery.

“We took the plot on when we were both 22, so we’ve had it for 20 years now,” Bob said.

“We’re devastated – absolutely gutted. We had a rotavator and a lawnmower in here as well as loads of tools. None of it was insured.”

The allotment’s committee members are keen to step up security on the 115-plot site.

Over the years plot holders have fallen victim to a series of bizarre incidents, including the theft of entire greenhouses.

Committee vice-chairman Chris Keen, 30, said: “Someone got into my greenhouse and smashed all the glass from the inside out. I have no idea why.”

Secretary Leanne Phelps, 38, added: “Last year all the incidents were to do with metal thefts.

“I remember going into my shed and everything had gone.

“One chap came back to his shed, and because the thieves hadn’t been able to break in they had just lifted off the entire roof.

“We were getting three or four thefts a week during one four-month period.

“It did get better but it appears to have picked up again.

“This is probably the worst attack – other than the shop, of course, that we had to replace with a steel shipping container.

“We’ve spoken to many of the people affected. They are struggling to come to terms with it.”

Former committee member Colin Hayes, 75, said: “My poor old mate lost his greenhouse.

"It was the hub of the allotment site. If anyone wanted anything they went to him. It’s the little things too – he organised the manure on the site.

“He came up to me the other day and asked if I could remember who wanted what because his list had gone.”

Warwickshire Police are investigating the latest incidents, which took place before 9.20pm on Wednesday.

Urging witnesses to come forward a spokesman for the force said: “The maximum sentence for arson is life imprisonment. This is a very serious offence.

“It’s important that we establish who has done this. We need the public’s help. Anybody who was driving past or who saw anything or has information should call us on 01926 415000.”