In addition to the fire, it appears that the criminals have used a power tool to saw through the padlock’s engaging lug on the Riverside Community Garden’s steel shipping container, and the doors were left open.
The newly-built shelter was in a certain amount of disarray, but there wasn’t any evidence seen of an attempt to burn it.
It’s possible that the criminals didn’t know the extent of the Community Garden, and perhaps burnt the chalet that they apparently did because it was a more elaborate structure, and which they wrongly attributed to it? However this is no more than speculation on the author’s part.
We’d urge all plot holders to inspect their plots for any theft or damage.
PPA Website Team
Thanks for this update.
I have secured the community garden container and made repairs to the new shelter. We have lost some tools and our donations box. Last year they tried to open the tool shed, managed to open the kitchen end of the container, set off a fire extinguisher and tried to steal a leisure battery, they returned 2 months later to get the leisure battery. It does feel that they came back with a more powerful angle grinder and targeted our tool shed. I believe the same people have been here 3 times over the last 9 months (considered speculation). Happy to work with the committee to explore how we can prevent future attacks.
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Commiserations, Adrian.
Our Site Rep had a conversation today with our local Community Officer, who said that they will contact a colleague whose special interest is security at outdoor premises.
Sadly the criminals appear to be determined, equipped, and also motivated by an apparent animus.
(You’ll appreciate that there are some matters re site security, which aren’t suitable for discussion on a public website.)
Martin
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