Denbigh community allotment vandals 'make humanity look bad'

For the last year the Trefeirian allotment site on Love Lane has been plagued by vandalism that has blighted Incredible Edible's plot and neighbouring private allotments with reports of shed break-ins, tools being stolen, urinating in outbuildings and more.

Most recently polytunnels used to grow fruit and vegetables in the colder months have been damaged and a heavy metal bench was carried 100m and dumped on a hill.

Incredible Edible Denbigh has 10 volunteers and two paid staff. As part of the wider UK Incredible Edible network, it aims to offer cheaper, locally grown fruit and vegetables to help combat the rising cost of living. It also works to educate people on how to grow their own.

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Volunteer Andrew Hine said the problems were going too far.

"We know that people might come at night and use the space - even though they shouldn't," he said. "But there is no need for the mindless destruction we are seeing.

"It's been ongoing for about a year. they leave litter, broke into our key box, broke into our shed and our lockbox, recently they've poked holes in and torn our polytunnels which are not easy to fix, and they stole the bench, which we later found dumped on a nearby hill.

One of these heavy benches was carried away by vandals and dumped on a hill. (Image: Andrew Hine)

"We are not the only victims. Other allotment holders have had sheds broken into, tools stolen, people have urinated in their sheds. It just doesn't seem to end and it is heartbreaking for us as volunteers to have to keep fixing and repairing and speaking to police.

"The Incredible Edible volunteers are just trying to do good. We grow food that helps people who are struggling. Children from local schools come and learn how to grow their own food and we even have young people who have been in trouble coming to help out.

"Hopefully over time that will give them a sense of ownership and they will not allow this sort of vandalism to take place but at the moment there is a group of people here who make humanity look bad.

"It's hard to figure out how to appeal to their hearts or their sense of decency. We just want some help to stop the damage."

North Wales Police said they were stepping up patrols in light of the latest incidents. 

"We are aware of incidents that have occurred at the allotments on Love Lane," said  police spokesperson.

"High visibility patrols have been conducted and will continue. In addition, 'target hardening' equipment and advice has been provided to the allotment holders.

"We continue to work with local partners to address the issues at the site. If anyone has any information, they can report it to us via our live webchat or 101 quoting reference 24000865922."