Fishing is illegal along The Wandle at this allotment and should be discouraged. The Environment Agency is aware and an enforcement officer patrols this part of the river.
Site Security
Do not give out the code for the combination padlock or share the key to the padlock with anyone that does not have an allotment on this site.
Plot holders should be aware and look out for the following things:
  • Look out for any suspicious behaviour.
  • Note the time of day and appearance of perpetrators of any incidents of criminal or anti-social behaviour.
  • Notify the police on the non emergency number of any crimes when they occur.
  • Do observe anyone that looks like they might be about to commit a crime, but do not approach an intruder if you feel that it might put you at unnecessary risk. Observe from a safe distance and record it so that you are able to report this to the police, if needed.
Cricket Green Local Policing Team
0208 649 3576 This number will divert to voicemail when the team is not on duty. Please leave a message or call 101

For immediate police attendance 999
To contact the police in a non- emergency 101
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Practical Information and Advice on Preventing Allotment Crime
Vandalism, theft, fly tipping and intimidating intruders can be problems on allotments. On the following pages are some tips and advice to tackle the problems and help you make your plot a safe and welcoming site.


Pro
Three top ways to deter crime on your allotments are:-
Good community relations - evidence shows that vandalism is rare on sites that have regular contact with people in the surrounding community.
A strong community on site - plot holders get to know each other’s movements and look out for each other’s plots.
A well occupied and tidy site - a high level of activity and people gardening on site deters intruders, also making it easier to identify who is misusing the site and why. A tidy site means kids are less likely to think they will get away with messing around and it there are fewer places to hide it will deter thieves and vandals.
Protect Your Property
  • Thorny climbers are good to grow over sheds.If it is a fruit crop then you are using the space to grow food!
  • Don’t leave material around that is easy to set fire to such as piles of dry sticks and paraffin in sheds.
  • Sheds are not designed for secure storage. Do not leave valuables in them. Consider leaving the shed unlocked as often sheds are broken into but nothing taken and the damage to the shed is the major expense. If a window is not needed board it over securely. If it is needed then fit wire mesh or bars to the windows.
  • Remove or secure any portable climbing aids.
/ Protect Your Property
  • Any damaged or weak shed panels should be repaired or reinforced.
  • Remove tools from the site but if you have to leave any tools mark them with your postcode and door number ideally by engraving or using a forensic property marking system. This will allow recovered items to be returned to their rightful owners and possibly link them to the burglar.
  • If leaving tools on site, chain them together, use a closed shackle lock and a ground anchor point or a strong lockable box chained to something immovable.
  • Conceal tools i.e. a built in secret compartment, or in a bin liner in long grass and alternate where the tools are hidden.
  • Paint new tools in a bright colour to make them very distinctive.
  • Large plantings of new shrubs can be secured by planting through chicken wire, then covering the area with soil or mulch.
  • If locking the shed replace all screws on the shed hinges with coach bolts or non return screws and place reinforcing metal plates on the inside.