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Allotment holders plot to beat thieves
GARDENS CHECK ... from left, community safety officer Jeff Reid with Coun Ernest Gibson George Johnson, Paul Butters and project manager Chris Convery.
AN allotment site in South Shields has grown security-conscious.
The Holder House project in Whiteleas has undergone an anti-crime check by South Tyneside Council’s community safety officer, Jeff Reid, in a bid to beef up protection on the site.
Last year, the plot, which is based in the Holder House allotment area, was broken into by criminals, who stole a set of wheels from a trailer.
That left project users – which includes people with learning and physical disabilities, the elderly and local schools – upset.
Project manager Chris Convery said: “The break-in last year left those who use the garden very upset. They couldn’t understand why someone would do this to them.
“Hopefully, with Jeff’s help, we will be able to identify areas of security we can improve, to prevent something like this happening in the future.”
The community garden offers a variety of users the chance to learn about horticulture, boosting their confidence and gardening skills.
It is hoped this latest security check will help further protect the site by flagging up any lapses in security.
Mr Reid said: “When it comes to security, it is often the little things which can make a huge difference to how well a home, a business or an allotment site is protected.
“As an outsider, you are more likely to see where improvements can be made.”
Tools used by people who visit the garden are set to be security-marked in the future, so if they are stolen and later recovered, they can be identified and handed back to the rightful owner.
Coun Ernest Gibson said: “Chris already runs a tight ship when it comes to security on the site, but it doesn’t hurt for someone from the outside to come in and give the place a once-over, to ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to protecting the site from thieves.”
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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