During last night (24/25 10 26) thieves entered PPA, evidently carrying powerful and versatile cutting equipment.
They broke into the – hitherto resistant to entry attempts – green shipping container and also the shop. Expensive items were taken. We understand that the WA gate was left ajar, but by the time that PPAA volunteers arrived it was locked again.
We would very much like to hear from anyone who used the Western Avenue end entrance early this (Sunday) morning (before 0730, by which time the gate had been properly locked) and especially the condition in which they found the gate. That is, whether it had been forced (mortice bolt still extended) or opened by key (mortice bolt retracted into lock case).
The PPAA structures have been made secure, at least against casual intruders, but plot holders may wish to check their own plots and possessions for any loss.
PPA Website Team for PPAA Committee
I’m so gutted to hear this. I can’t offer any information about this morning but I visited the allotment post parkrun on Saturday (24th) morning to find the WA gate closed but unlocked, which I thought was strange and meant to send a message but totally forgot. I did not see anyone on the site and I locked the gate during and after my rainy visit.
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Many thanks anon.
This happens quite often, especially in bad weather when the site’s quiet. People who think that they won’t be staying long – particularly drivers – just push the gate to so that it’s easier when they come to leave.
Everyone must recognise that they’re in breach of their tenancy if they ever leave a gate unlocked and unattended, however.
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We were on site at approx 8.15am on Sunday and the gate was locked as normal.
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Thanks Mandy.
We have information that the WA gate was ajar at about 0650
However, by around 0730 when I went to it someone had locked it normally.
We’d like information from that person as to how they found it when it was ajar. That is, was the lock bolt extended (gate forced) or retracted (key used)?
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The gate was pulled tight but not locked. The lock had been turned but was short of the receiver. It gave me the impression that somebody had attempted to lock the gate, believing it was locked. I locked the gate once inside, spent about 15 minutes on my plot and then left, locking the gate behind me.
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Many thanks anon, that – with your previous post below – is very helpful.
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I entered via the Western Ave just after first light on Sunday. The gate was closed but not locked. The lock bolt was out, as the gate was holding fast. It gave me the impression that somebody believed they had locked the gate but hadn’t. I locked the gate as I entered and as I left about 15 mins later.
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