Bognor allotment holders in first anti-crime drive

They have formed the country's first Allotment Watch scheme to boost security at sites in the area.

The project was launched at the 200 plots off Amberley Drive by police community support officer Justina Baker and Bognor Allotment Holders' Association Ltd. It is being spread to other sites around Bognor '“ and further east across the Arun district '“ in the coming weeks. At the launch, the fruit and vegetable growers were able to have their equipment marked with 'smart water'.

This shows up under ultra-violet light to provide a unique identity for each piece of equipment which is stored on a national database.

This enables each marked item to be traced back to its origins. It helps to stop it being sold on.

New bolts are also being handed out to make items more secure. In addition, leaflets about Allotment Watch are being distributed to all neighbouring households to inform residents of their key role in reporting unusual or criminal behaviour on the allotments when they see it.

The Amberley Drive site was chosen for the launch because of probably its worst spate of crimes just before Christmas since it was opened in the 1930s.

Four days saw 59 break-ins to sheds as well as outbreaks of criminal damage. Rotavators, mowers and strimmers were among the 1,000-plus equipment stolen. It cost a further 4,000 to repair the damage.

Nearby Gravits Lane allotments suffered a further 13 cases of criminal damage and goods stolen.

PCSO Baker said: "I have been involved with the allotments since I became a PCSO in November 2006, providing anti-climbing paint to keep youths and truants out and patrolling the grounds regularly.

"So, when this outbreak of crime took place, I looked for a way to provide additional security and peace of mind. I created Allotment Watch from the basics with the purpose of getting everyone involved."

Bognor Allotment Holders' Association vice-chairman Robin Cox said: "Allotment Watch is a good idea. We need a deterrent. We have lost so much equipment through vandals and light-fingered people. PCSO Baker has been superb to us."