Safer Neighbourhood Team works with allotment holders
During the spring/summer period, statistics show there is an increase in antisocial behaviour and thefts from allotments.
Reepham Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been working alongside the Reepham Allotments and Leisure Gardeners Association (RALGA) to help to reduce and prevent problems reoccurring at the three allotment sites in Reepham on Stony Lane, Fiddler’s Lane and Norwich Road.
Left to right: PCSO Stephen Bridges and PC Julia Benson with Reepham allotment holders Desmond Burton and Taff Rees
Crime prevention advice has been given, which has resulted in signs being erected around the three sites near to the sheds, advising perpetrators that no valuable items are kept onsite, and that regular patrols of the area are undertaken by the local police.
Each site was given a SelectaDNA kit – an individual marking kit that is visible under ultraviolet light and has a unique reference number.
Allotment holders have property-marked their equipment with this gel on items kept onsite and visible warnings to this affect are highlighted on various posters.
PC Julia Benson from Reepham SNT said: “Working together with the co-ordinators from each site – Taff Rees, Desmond Burton and Roger Dove – we have addressed concerns raised, and by working closely within the community we have reduced crime in a positive way.”
Contact Reepham SNT by calling non-emergency number 101 or email sntreepham@norfolk.pnn.police.uk