ALLOTMENT holders say thieves have targeted their plots up to 20 times in less than two months, culminating in a suspected arson attack.

Keen gardeners at Launton Allotments, off Charbridge Lane, Bicester, are angry after more than a dozen sheds were damaged and one was burnt to the ground.

The first break-in took place on May 7, and since then 12 more have been reported to police.

Members of allotment association Launton Plotters say there have been other incidents which have not been reported.

A shed was set alight at the site on May 18, while a thief has started stealing produce from the site for the second year running.

Plotters chairman Jackie Hackett said: “It’s awful at the moment.

“We had trouble last year with sheds broken into and criminal damage and vandalism.

“One shed was completely razed to the ground.”

Last summer vegetables were stolen from gardeners’ plots, and the thefts have now started again.

There are 80 allotments at the site and 59 allotment holders who tend pitches. Many holders look after more than one plot.

Ms Hackett said: “This is causing distress to the allotment holders who put a lot of time and effort into their plots and are very disheartened and disillusioned.

“Two schools also have plots and the children are upset because one of their sheds was broken into.

“There is nothing of any value in the sheds.

“It’s a really nice community initiative and it’s being spoilt by this person or people.”

She said most of the incidents happened overnight and urged anyone who had seen anything suspicious or hah any information to contact police.

Pc Caroline Brown said patrols in the area had been stepped up and officers had been to the allotment site to give out crime prevention information.

  • Anyone with information should call 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.