“WE NEED more help.”

The secretary of a Hampshire allotment complex has appealed to police for increased patrols after more than 20 sheds were vandalised in a crime spree.

Locks were broken on outbuildings and one allotment owner reported that vandals even tried to tear his roof off at Romsey Town Council allotments.

Secretary of the allotment committee at the council, Roger House, has said that after the latest incident, he has asked police to increase their patrols in the area to deter vandals.

He said: “It’s just something we have to get on with now.

“It happened last year and there have been a few cases, it’s just mindless vandalism.

“Locks were broken off and doors smashed. We have to go around and repair it all, that all falls on my shoulders to let everyone know. I can appreciate the time and money issues that the police have, but I have asked them to visit here and if there’s a car nearby just to deter the people who have done this.”

The sheds had been targeted during the incidents that took place any time between 1pm on Sunday and midday on Monday.

Hampshire Constabulary said they were aware of the incident, and were planning on visiting the allotments to speak to concerned users about safety and security of the site.

A spokesperson said: “We are looking into the incident after one person reported that their shed had been broken into, although they did mention that many others had also been damaged.

“We will be visiting the site to speak to those who use the allotments.

“We are of course keen to hear from anyone who has information relating to the incident, and would urge them to get in touch through 101 quoting 44170463154.”

The site is currently home to 115 allotments.