Vandals smash greenhouse and trash crops in overnight spree at Northampton allotment

The Studland Road Allotments were trashed in an overnight vandalism spree.

Residents arrived at the Studland Road allotments on Tuesday morning (August 22) to find their carefully-tended crops and vegetable patches torn up and pilfered.

Fencing had been stolen, glass was smashed and three chickens had been taken in the night - including "Gary the duck", who was well-loved by his owner and residents and has been missing since.

Chairwoman Janet Harrison says the vandals accessed the site by bolt-cutting a chain on the entrance and claims this is is the second such incident in a year.

One gardener's chickens were released in the vandalism. Three have disappeared, as well as one resident's pet duck.

She said: "I feel violated that our security has again been removed. It's like having your front garden trashed.

"It's not just a loss of crops or food. It's losing the year of work you put into it."

One resident arrived to find his greenhouse had been pelted with stones to smash the glass, before a water butt was tipped over onto his crops.

Meanwhile, another had to round up her chickens after the power unit to an electric fence was taken. She was reportedly "heartbroken" to find three chickens had disappeared in the night, as well as a pet duck named Gary.

A decorative green dog kennel and a lawnmower were also taken.

Janet said: "It's just mindless vandalism. Someone has just come in here and trashed it for the hell of it.

"This allotment is the centre of our community. You just don't expect this sort of thing. We can handle wildlife like foxes but when it's people it's a different matter."

Northamptonshire Police is asking anyone who might have information about the vandalism to call 101.