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50 allotments hit in Leyland damage spree
An investigation has been launched after thieves targeted 50 allotments in Leyland.
Power tools were stolen in the raids at the Moss Side allotments on Longmeanygate.
Joan Langford, who has a shed on the site, said: "We went down to our allotments on Monday and found that every single one had been broken into. There are over 50 of them.
"We have two main gates and both of the locks have been removed, but they haven't been cut. It looks as if whoever did it was looking for power tools.
"I don't know yet how much has been taken," she added.
Allotment holders have been heading to the site since news broke of the thefts to see what has been taken.
Joan said the incident had left people angry and upset.
She said: "I don't think they've taken anything of ours but it still costs money replacing the locks and fixing the damage to the wood.
"It is obviously more than one person who is responsible for it and it was premeditated.
"We're just trying to sort out what's gone.
"Everyone is really upset.
"You can only do so much to protect your property. We have locks on all the sheds and high fences. What more can we do?"
Joan said the theft spree was unlike anything that had happened at the site before.
She said: "This was much more than a five minute job. On some of the sheds they've even taken the screws off the locks.
"Someone was absolutely determined to get in.
"There has been the odd break-in before but nothing like this. It definitely leaves a nasty taste in the mouth."
John Cannon, chairman of Leyland and Moss Side Allotment Association, said: "This is the worst case we've had.
"It might sound strange, but people become attached to their huts. A lot of people spend an awful lot of time down there.
"It's going to cost them all at least 20 to fix their doors after they were forced open."
Police confirmed they are investigating and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We received a report on Monday that around 40 to 50 sheds had been broken into on the Moss Side allotments. We are treating it as a burglary.
"If anyone has seen or heard anything, we would urge them to contact us."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police by ringing 0845 253545 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
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Weather for Leyland
Thursday 24 May 2012
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Temperature: 14 C to 20 C
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