Southampton allotment break-ins: Birds hurt and enclosures vandalised

Users of Witts Hill allotments say fences have been cut with items such as knives and sickles stolen during several incidents over the last two weeks.

Chicken runs have been destroyed, allowing the animals out and opening them up for foxes to get in.

One plot owner, Stuart Smith, said his enclosure was cut open with the door “ripped off” leaving his animals “extremely distressed”.

Animals hurt in break-ins at Witts Hill allotments. (Image: Stuart Smith.)

One of his hens was left with an injured wing after feathers were ripped out of it, while a goose suffered an injury to its head.

Now residents are calling for action to be taken to stop the spree of break-ins which has happened every day for weeks.

Stuart, 52, has also had his gnomes smashed up which were bought for him by his late mother when he first got his plot.

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He added: “Just seeing what I have done over the years being destroyed is heartbreaking.

“My mood is getting lower because of going up there. They are getting more destructive or violent.

“I’m concerned that a human being is going to be hurt soon. They’re escalating. It is not a joke anymore.”

Enclosures vandalised and animals hurt in break-ins at Witts Hill allotments (Image: Stuart Smith.)

The incidents, which are taking place between 3pm and 7pm each day, have been reported to police.

Some have even been forced to take their animals elsewhere due to concerns they may get hurt.

A police spokesperson said the force has recieved reports of several incidents at the allotments between May 9 and 14.

"It has been reported that tools have been stolen from a shed and allotments have been vandalised.

"We have also received reports that chicken and duck enclosures have been damaged, leading to the animals being injured or killed by wildlife.

"In light of these reports, officers will be conducting extra patrols in the area."

Southampton City Council says it is also aware of the incidents, branding them "unacceptable". 

John Payne, site rep for the allotments, said: “It is a sad situation. Two of the women don’t come up here by themselves anymore.

“We can’t keep on having this situation. I do a walk around the site every morning to see what damage is done.

“People are frightened to confront them because you never know if they have got a knife in their pocket or if they are on drugs.

“It is just spite. Repairing the fences all the time is costing so much money.”

A council spokesperson said: "Several plot owners have chickens and unfortunately, their enclosures have also been vandalised which has led to some chickens escaping or being stolen.

"Most other plot holders have temporarily taken their chickens home but some have not been able to do so.

"This is a police matter, and we would advise affected plot holders to contact the police. However, we can confirm that repairs to the fences, requested by our Allotments Officer, have been completed by our fencing contractors.

"The Council’s Animal Welfare Officer has been notified of the incident in case they receive further reports regarding the chickens".

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44230190677.