A SCHEME designed to crackdown on shed crime has been launched following a spate of burglaries on allotments in Shildon.

Gardeners at allotments, in the town, have joined with Shildon police to improve security at the sites.

Signs have been erected on the perimeter fences of the sites and Smartwater security marking kits have been issued to the gardeners.

Spray paint has been issued to each of the town’s allotments. Each site has its own paint colour so that they can colour code their tools and equipment.

Shildon Town Council, Durham Constabulary and the Safer Durham Partnership have worked together on the scheme.

Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action partnership provided funding and the project was launched at the All Saints Road allotments.

PC David Littlefair, of Shildon police, said “The police take allotment crime very seriously because we see first-hand what impact it has on allotment holders.

“Shildon police will continue to work with the allotment holders to ensure that the utmost is being done to prevent allotment crime.”