On 03/03/2014 16:53, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Martin" wrote

"Bob Hobden" wrote:

"P Bentley" wrote ...

We are needing a long stretch of fencing around our allotment. But we
really need to keep the cost down as much as possible.

It does not have to look pretty, but must be *difficult* to climb,
as we
have had a number of thefts on the allotment. We are not allowed to
use any
barbed-wire.

Any suggestions as to what good inexpensive fencing is available
with the
above requirements, we would be grateful for.

Having read the comments, yes, prickly plants will deter the casual
thief
and vandal but the problem with allotments is it is no longer those
people
causing the serious problems it's the determined professional thief with
pickup trucks and tools. If they come prepared to cut through a
strong metal
fence a prickly plant will be no problem, they will just chainsaw it, or
drive over it.
Get rid of the temptation and they won't be interested.

Our allotment is inside a high security area. It doesn't stop the very
well paid
people working there stealing tools and vegetables.

We don't keep any tools on our plot, not even a line. All we have ever
got is footprints as the villains walk across our plot to get to yet
another shed on someone else's.
On one visit by the thieves there was a strimmer, cordless electric
drill, a brand new large cultivator worth hundreds and a petrol
generator as well as other bits stashed by the gate ready to be
collected, only I got their first and called the Police. It's that
potential income from the sheds that keeps these people coming back time
and again and why I say don't keep tools on your site as a temptation.





This happened at an allotment I know in Yorkshire. The allotment
holders got so fed up with losing both veg and equipment that they
talked to the police. The police provided them with Smar****er plus a
sign to put up on the entrance gates saying that Smar****er was used.
As far as I know, they've had no more trouble. Perhaps this is
something the OP could try.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay