A SCHEME to deter allotment burglars and vandals has been launched in Chester-le-Street.

The area’s Allotment Watch initiative is enlisting gardeners to be the police’s eyes and ears and keep report anything suspicious.

Allotments are vulnerable to opportunist thieves who, even if they leave empty-handed, often leave a lot of damage in their wake.

Police have bought motion-activated cameras that will be used to monitor and records activity in the 20-plus allotments covered by the scheme, which is sponsored by local store Maxwell DIY.

Laminated posters are being put up at each allotment to warn thieves the area is protected.

Maxwells DIY are giving a 20 per cent discount to gardeners who join the scheme.

The discount voucher is attached to a flyer containing crime prevention advice and more information about Allotment Watch.

Letters to potential members were sent by Durham County Council’s allotment manager, Karen Minter.

The new scheme was officially launched today (Thursday, February 12) at the Newcastle Bank Allotments, behind the town's police station.

Insp Paul Gray, neighbourhood inspector for Chester-le-Street, said: “People who use allotments understandably get upset at the thought of someone coming onto their patch and stealing items or leaving a trail of damage.

“We hope this scheme will encourage them to look out for each other and create an added level of protection,” said Insp Gray.

“I am grateful for the assistance we have received in getting Allotment Watch off the ground and can only see it going from strength to strength.”