Vandals trash allotments in Poole over Easter weekend

Greenhouses were smashed and plants and trees destroyed during a long weekend of violence at the Alder Farm allotments in Poole.

Now frustrated allotment holders have appealed to police and BCP Council to monitor the site and improve security.

The incidents, which took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, are the latest in a series of attacks at the site, off Alder Road

One allotment holder told the Daily Echo: “They totally wrecked everything in at least 15-20 allotments.

“We took over our plot in September last year after being on the waiting list for two years and we have spent a lot of time and a lot money on it.

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“We have a greenhouse and a shed and have recently planted lots of seeds. They were doing very well and now they’re totally ruined.”

The site has around 110 plots tended by residents in the local area.

The allotment holder, who does not wish to be named due to fear of reprisals, added: “It is hard to believe that anyone would do this, particularly three nights running.

“I know at least one person who repaired their greenhouse on Saturday, only to discover it had been smashed again on Sunday.”

He added: “The vandalism has to be seen to be believed. Just four out of about 50 panes of glass survived the onslaught. The small window in our shed was also smashed.

“Our neighbour’s brand new polycarbonate greenhouse, erected only a week ago, was also attacked, causing expensive damage.

“There has been considerable damage to many other plot holders’ property including other greenhouses smashed, polytunnel greenhouses slashed, paving slabs smashed, fruit cages destroyed, sheds broken into and one was turned over completely.”

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He said the damage has left himself and his wife distraught and added: “We had both worked tirelessly since taking over the plot, and were looking forward to the better weather and hopefully a harvest later in the year.”

“This has particularly hit my wife very hard and the whole episode has severely affected my wife’s mental health. She has been close to breaking point after being a keyworker throughout the pandemic.

“The allotment was her ‘escape’ and it has now been destroyed in three nights of fury unleashed on the site. This has far wider consequences for us than a few panes of glass broken.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to call Dorset Police, quoting occurrence number 55210052986, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.