Thatcham Allotment Watch success

Stolen tools were recovered days after the official launch of allotment watch scheme

JUST a few days after the official launch of Thatcham Allotment Watch scheme, several gardening tools believed to have been taken from sheds at Henleys allotments were recovered.

On April 7, a call was logged with Thatcham Town Council and a stolen goods den was discovered on the perimeter of the neighbouring open space, off London Road.

Thatcham neighbourhood wardens investigated and found 14 pieces of equipment.

Thatcham Town Council is now working with the Allotment Gardening Club in the hope of reuniting these tools with their owners.

The idea of Thatcham Allotment Watch came following a series of meetings with Thames Valley Police in 2009 and 2010 after a spate of thefts from allotments across the district.

The scheme works in a similar way to Neighbourhood Watch, and brings together partner agencies to tackle security issues.

The Thatcham scheme is co-ordinated by Thatcham Town Council and supported by Thames Valley Police, Thatcham Neighbourhood Wardens, Thatcham Allotment Gardening Club and local residents.

More information about the scheme is available from the town council on (01635) 863592.