"Frogleg" wrote in message ...
How *are* allotments protected/restricted? I've never seen an
arrangement with huts and semi-permanent participation (in the US).
There are a few "community gardens" locally. One experiment in an
'inner city' area was completely vandalized about halfway through the
growing season. My own plot (20'x40') was on a gov't site (NASA) and
out of reach of most yobbos. Large tools (tillers) were kept in a shed
with a lock all members of the 'garden club' had the combination to.
Hose(pipe)s, sprinklers, and small tools were left undisturbed. The
occasional pumpkin or tomato *would* disappear overnight, of course.

So what are the usual arrangements to prevent theft and vandalism?

High fences and the constant comings and goings of gardeners. It helps if
they are in areas with lots of housing overlooking the site where there are
also gardeners. Trying to strike up friendly conversations with any likely
troublemakers helps too but can be very wearing as most are brain dead.
Unfortunately, our experience of the local Surrey Police here regarding
vandalism is appalling, chocolate teapots the lot of them!
Personally we bought an old Landrover (1974 Series 3 van) to use as our
"shed" and we drive it back and forth to the allotments carrying all our
tools with us. We keep our mowers (for the paths and car park) and our
cultivator at home, and these also take a trip in the Landrover when needed.
Yes, it's an expensive way to do it but I can't take having everything
stolen or broken constantly; they have even pushed one shed over to get at
the contents 'cause the lock was too good.
The van also has an advantage when taking produce home too, our car doesn't
get filthy inside and out and we get neighbours borrowing it to do similar
tasks.

Warning! Now old Landrovers have become another hobby. :-)
--
Regards
Bob

1974 Landrover S111 2.25 petrol "88" H/top
1986 Landrover 90 2.5 petrol H/top