GARDENERS in Carhampton and Williton were targeted by what police believe were the same gang of thieves, who smashed open sheds and stole tools and equipment in ‘copycat’ raids on community allotments.

They are appealing for any information on a white van which was thought to be seen in both areas on Friday night (April 19). A garage and several sheds on a Carhampton housing estate were also broken into.

Carhampton allotments are in Park Lane and the Williton plots are outside the village on the A39.

“It would seem that these people were cruising the A39 looking for vulnerable targets,” said Peter Payne, a member of the allotment management board.

“Between 15 and 20 sheds were broken into and power tools and other pieces of equipment stolen.

“Luckily most gardeners take their expensive pieces of kit home but considerable damage was done to members’ sheds which needs to be repaired.”

Thieves have struck at Williton's allotments.
Thieves have struck at Williton's allotments. ( )

At Carhampton, 16 of the site’s 28 sheds were broken into. Property stolen included a large water pump, two battery-powered mowers, a strimmer and a chain-saw.

A passer-by, walking a dog on Saturday morning, first raised the alarm after seeing shed doors open and other damage on the allotment.

An allotment-holder whose shed was broken into, said: “I cannot explain how I feel at the moment, not just for myself but for all my allotmenteer friends.

“Our battery-powered mower has been taken but is worthless without the batteries.”

Acting chairman of Carhampton allotments association, John Trueman, said: “It was very upsetting when you consider all the hard work that people put into their allotments.

“The sheds have already been repaired and security measures will now be put in place which hopefully will help to prevent this happening again.

“It’s very disappointing that people who are doing what they can to feed their families should lose equipment which is hardly worth stealing in monetary value but is valuable to them and not always easy to replace.”

Anyone with information on the burglaries should contact Avon and Somerset police quoting reference number AS20240420-0248.