Launch of Allotment Watch Scheme

Released: 29 Jul 2008

In a joint initiative Worthing allotment holders now have the support of Worthing Borough Council and Sussex Police and in the newly formed Allotment Watch Scheme. Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tracey Day from the Worthing Neighbourhood Specialist Team is managing the project, working closely with Sasha Bryson from Worthing Borough Council, and the Worthing and District Allotments and Gardens Association.

PCSO Day is actively encouraging local residents to report all suspicious persons or activity to Sussex police on either the 0845-60-70-999 number, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively PCSO Day can be contacted either via the Sussex Police website at www.sussex.police.uk . Allotment Watch signs will be erected at all the Council’s Allotment sites, and allotment tenants can have their equipment and tools security marked.

Cllr Bryan Turner, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean and Green Environment, endorsed the scheme by saying “Worthing Borough Council are always ready to work with other groups in the fight against crime, and I commend everyone involved for their initiative in this project.”

Terry Edwards from the Allotment Association said “Anything that can be done to prevent mindless vandalism and theft will be welcomed by us, and will help us to enjoy our pastime in peace”.

A clear message is being sent to all would be offenders that their behaviour will not be tolerated and that anyone foolish enough to ignore this warning will be prosecuted. This is another excellent example of the Borough Council working with local officers from the District’s Neighbourhood Specialist Team and the community to make their neighbourhoods safer places to live, work, visit and, in this case, relax.

Allotment Watch is being launched on 3rd August at West Tarring Allotment Site. Between 10am and 1pm all Allotment Tenants are welcome to come along to meet PCSO Day when she will security mark their equipment. PCSO Day will also be at the Chesswood Farm site on 5th August between 6 and 8pm, and at Humber Avenue on 6th August between 6 and 8pm.

Contact Officer: Sasha Bryson, Contracts Officer. 01903 221114 sasha.bryson@worthing.gov.uk

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