Upset as sheds and greenhouses smashed at Portsmouth allotments

Glass panes were shattered and locks broken off in the trail of destruction left behind at the allotment site in Locksway Road, Milton.

Police are investigating the damage, discovered when leaseholders checked on their allotments.

Les Stevens is chairman of the Eastney and Milton Allotment Holders’ Association.

He said: ‘It was just total wanton vandalism.

‘Some of those sheds and greenhouses were used by people 80-odd years of age.

‘One chap has had his shed smashed, he’s disabled – it’s just terrible.

‘The doors have been smashed in, windows smashed, greenhouses smashed, all beyond repair.

‘The problem is you might have the frame but the glass is so expensive it ends up being cheaper to buy a new greenhouse and people don’t have that sort of money – they’re £600 to £800.’

He added: ‘We’ve had vandalism down here before but nothing like on this scale. They’ve just rampaged through and smashed everything.

‘They never stole anything, it was just wanton vandalism.

‘There are some people who still don’t know what’s happened as we’re in winter and there’s no need to be down there.’

Portsmouth City Council owns the site and said it would repair vacant sites but leaseholders are responsible for their own property.

Police received a report of criminal damage on February 9, and one victim believes it could have happened since January 26.

One allotment user, a 68-year-old man who did not wish to be named, said he was disappointed by what happened.

‘I’m disappointed that it happened, I wasn’t shocked because we do get it occasionally,’ the man said.

‘Every couple of years something like this has happened.’

He has since repaired the damaged shed and greenhouse on his plot.

‘If you saw anything acting suspiciously at the allotments or if you have information about the damage there please contact police on 101, quoting 44170051930,’ a Hampshire police spokeswoman said.