Security of the allotments can be a niggling issue.
When my daughter had a plot in Leytonstone het shed was
broken into on a regular basis. The solution was to leave it unlocked and after
that they left it alone. There was nothing valuable in there and frankly finding
things might have challenged the thief more than breaking into the shed.
Sheds can be attractive to some at any time of the year
whilst fresh produce is only attractive and taken during the high season when
its clearly visible and inviting.
The security question has to be about the value of the goods
and although they add up, even at the car boot sale, the resale value of the
tools is often negligible. However, the effect of being robbed, strangers in
the shed and property taken is often far greater than its value.
We are fortunate on our allotments to be surrounded by two-metre-high
industrial metal fencing with barbed wire on top. There is also a dense hedge
and growth on some stretches where we pollard the trees to create a mixed
living and dry thicket and extra fence for intruders to negotiate. The gates
are also two-metre-high, metal and have commercial locks. The only animals to
get in and out are Freddie fox and his pack who either dig under or climb over
and dealing with their entry points can be like painting the Forth Road Bridge –
a never ending task.
Do we have problems?
Yes, but fortunately they are few and far between. If
someone wants to get in they obviously can, but they would have to do so
probably in the dark of night and would you seriously climb fences and wander around
an allotment in the dark knowing the only way out was the way you came in?
We have had no serious shed break-ins that I can remember.
We have had a shed fire but that was not down to a malicious break-in. However,
we have several reports every season of a fruit tree being stripped of fruit,
or a plant going missing, or some vegetables being taken, but working out
whether it was internal or external is impossible and the value again is negligible.
Can you imagine manned watchtowers at each corner of the
site with searchlights scanning the plots and sirens ready to sound off at the
sight of a trespasser? Freddie fox and all his night-time chums would be
furious and getting volunteers to man the towers would be impossible. Some have
suggested cctv and an animal camera but it’s an allotment not a High Street unit
or high-end housing area.
We must act in accordance to the risk, value and impact and
let common sense prevail.
Our best deterrent is our industrial gate locks. However,
after many years of service these have become a pain to maintain and every few
months stick. We must oil them and hope WD40 does the trick. If we take them to
the locksmith then padlocks and chains must be deployed on a temporary basis
and as both sites have two gates access is restricted to the other gate. The annoyance
is that the locks always fail just as you are sitting down for a cuppa and a
read. You get the call that the lock is stuck, and the gate is open, and the
person ringing you is always just about to go home. Bes5t of all there is often
no one else around. Even my whippet Lottie object to have to go out and watch
me fiddle with locks to secure the site.
‘I’ve only just got in from zooming in the park’ Lottie says
still panting from chasing her ball.
‘We won’t be log,’ I reply.
‘That’s what you said last time! You need new lock.’ She
says obviously now intent on managing me.
‘Come on, the quicker we sort it, the quicker we can get
back.’
Off we go, me with a small tool bag and Lottie reluctantly following
on her lead.
The other wee one of the locks finally gave up the ghost
during lockdown and we finally had to bite the bullet and decide that a new
lock was needed. As all keys on each site fit the two locks on each site a
replacement was not straight forward. The locks and keys we needed to address
were security ones and replacing the barrel whilst retaining the existing keys
was not an option. Therefore, two double barrels and 100 keys were needed.
I researched the options and there were now a lot. As a
significant number of plot holders don’t have email and a code numbered lock’s
code can be easily passed onto anyone, they we ruled out.
As the site does not have electricity, the fob and electric
gate systems had to also be ruled out. We did look at wind generators and solar
powered panels, but when you added up all the costs these were prohibitive and
it’s only an allotment. It was however surprising what was available in respect
to solar and wind power but the sight of these would probably attract some
unwanted guests. The electric fob systems would be ideal with everyone having a
unique fob which could be dynamically activated or disarmed and a full access
record of all movements available via an administration App.
We have also suffered over the years with folk cutting extra
keys and despite having a key deposit, leavers often never return their keys
when they leave, and previously we failed to retain appropriate key records. To
top it all, what we thought and were told were security keys and only able to
be cut with a code was incorrect and the code restriction ran out years ago.
So we decided to replace the double barrels and get a 100 keys
cut. We opted for new security keys and locks which had a higher level of
restrictions and codes and which are not time limited. We even got an extra
unique security number engraved on the shaft of each key for free. This code
would now be recorded in our new key register.
Now it’s a case of issuing all the keys and enjoying a quiet
undisturbed life.
Then the call came. ‘Do you know the lock’s broken on the
gate next to the pavilion and it’s been left unlocked?’
‘Ok, I’ll be there when I’ve finished my dinner.’ I replied
getting a discerning look from over the table.
‘I’ve got to go and there is no one else here’ came a quiet
voice from the plots.
‘Ok I’m coming over.’
Unfortunately, one of the other site’s locks has now decided
to come out in sympathy and is unworkable. Yes, we must replace that as well.
Security can often be an unrewarding task on the allotments.
