More than 120 allotment holders in Canterbury took advantage of free property marking sessions on Sunday, March 11.City council officers, police officers and Kent County Council Community Wardens were at allotments at Wincheap, Thanington, Whitehall Road and Rheims Way to help gardeners protect the tools of their trade.
Theft and vandalism at allotments has been on the rise in recent weeks and was raised as a problem at a recent meeting of the Neighbourhood Tasking Group, a multi-agency group that tackles crime and anti-social behaviour issues. Property marking sessions were seen as a proactive way of helping to deal with the problem.
Community Safety Officer Graham Simpson said it had been a worthwhile exercise that had been very well received by allotment holders.
Among the comments received from gardeners on the day were:
• “It’s nice to see the council and police here today. It is a good idea to have these days for agencies to attend.”
• “This is a step in the right direction. A very helpful and useful day with good personalities in attendance. Thoroughly worthwhile!”
• “We are very pleased with the event. It’s a positive move to try and overcome the vandalism issues we have recently experienced and to show allotment plot holders that security is being taken seriously.”
Further sessions will be held at allotments in Herne Bay and Whitstable this Sunday (March 18) and others are being planned for the remaining sites in Canterbury.
Published: March 14 2012
