More than 50 sheds were broken into at Oxford allotments during the first weekend in January. 

People were captured on CCTV at Twenty Pound Meadow Allotments and Botley Meadow Allotments during the evening of January 5. 

Doors and windows were smashed but nothing seems to have been stolen. 

Paul Blatchford, who captured the footage, said: "From what I saw they had small backpacks, and didn't really get much from the site, just the odd tool here and there.

"It was mainly damage done to the shed locks and doors and broken windows.

"They also stopped for a while and did some graffiti in one of the sheds. 

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"I did joke we don't keep 'monkey dust' at the allotments, and there is not much value there, sheds are just for tools, having a cup of tea and keeping out of the rain.

"With over 60 sheds broken into from both sites, I would say it has increased. 

"I think it's a case of catching them, as probably a lot of other break-ins, and they had bolt cutters and crowbars."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “We can confirm we are investigating a number of incidents which have occurred in the evening of January 5 where a number of sheds have been broken into at Twenty Pound Meadow and Botley Meadow allotments.

“No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

“We would urge anybody with any information which may assist the investigation to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting the reference number 43250008874 or reference 43250008173.”

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby