Cruel thief steals cookers and heaters at allotment
THIEF WAS CAPTURED ON WILDLIFE NIGHT CAMERAS
A WEST Hull allotment has been targeted by a criminal stealing members’ possessions.
CCTV shows a thief breaking into the Newland Allotments in Tavistock Road off Newland Avenue.
The criminal, shown wearing a light hoodie/jacket and a backpack, forced entry into multiple sheds at the site stealing paraffin heaters and gas cookers.
One member said: “It’s items they’ve taken like heaters and gas cookers.
“It makes me feel sick we’re all down there for the same reason, to grow things.
“People are growing things to help feed their families during these times.”
Daniel Smales, chairmen of the allotment, said between 20 and 30 sheds have been targeted.
He said: “We have been having break ins to sheds on the site, but there are a range of wildlife cameras, which have picked the person up on an evening.
“We have had things such specific paraffin as paraffin heaters stolen, paraffin along with it.
“In total, we are looking at least 20 to 30 sheds that have been done over.”
“Most people have been aware it’s happening with no ability to stop it. The person is trying a few sheds each night.”
Mr Smales said he felt “let down” by the break in, but also emphasised that the allotment are always willing to help people out where they can.
He said: “I personally feel a little let down that someone feels the need to break into our shed, but it’s more about other people.
“Myself and the rest of our team manage the site voluntary, and we do our best to make people feel comfortable while on site and also want to support and inspire others.
“If this person is homeless I would rather they ask and help where possible. We help them.”
A spokeswoman for the Humberside Police said: “We were called on Tuesday, March 31, with reports of a burglary at an allotments in Tavistock Road.
“It was reported that someone broke into a shed on the site and stole items from inside.
“Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to call our non-emergency 101 line quoting crime reference 16/40849/20.” are always willing to