Allotments raided for food

Thieves stole chickens and ducks as well as fruit and vegetables from Black Country allotments, in a bid to beat rising food prices.

Plot holders say their site in Smethwick has been targeted by thieves for the past two months and fear they are powerless to stop the criminals, who simply climb over fences or force padlocks to sheds.

Peter Weston, aged 38, who has an allotment at the site in Stony Lane, has had two chickens and two ducks stolen as well as lots of his crops. The news comes after it was revealed allotment holders across the Black Country are being targeted by thieves.

Mr Weston, a builder from Edward Street, Smethwick, said: “There are around 90 allotments here and I know several that have been targeted. On Tuesday night I had a duck taken, along with two cabbages, 10 leeks, runner beans and the fruit.

“I have had an allotment here for three years and had one at another site for 18 years before that. I am convinced it is down to the credit crunch and rising food prices.”

Fences had to be installed at allotments in Walsall last month after two men were jailed for stealing metal ripped from greenhouses at the site.