Charity garden hit by thieves

Callous thieves have ruined a garden revamp at Reading Association for the Blind after stealing trellis donated by a member.
The dark green trellis was fixed to the Carey Street garden fence but when a volunteer returned to finish the work it was nowhere to be seen.
Charity centre manager Dawn Singleton was shocked. She said: “I want the thieves to realise they have stolen part of an invaluable aspect of our association, which is very important to our members.”
The town centre garden project was funded by donations from the community, local businesses and from members themselves.
“We are a registered charity and this will now cost us almost £200 to replace the trellis – which we cannot afford to do,” she added.
The garden revamp at the association is part of a project that was started earlier this year.
Ms Singleton said: “Our members value our services which form a major contribution to their day-to-day lives and we use our garden regularly for social events such as coffee mornings.
“We have now had to remove the garden furniture in fear of this being stolen too.”
Disgusted John McNicholas, crime reduction officer with Thames Valley Police, visited the scene after the theft and has recommended anti-climb paint be used to deter criminals.
He said: “This theft was a despicable act as the offenders would have known they were stealing from a charity that supports the blind and visually impaired. Anti-climb paint will mean any further attempts to enter the garden will result in the intruder getting literally plastered.
“It seems that nowadays you can’t leave anything lying around, especially out in the open, without it being at risk of being stolen.
“High fences and walls around the back garden of your property have to be the ultimate solution. Plastering walls, fences and the upper sections of posts in this special security paint is an effective measure.”
Mr McNicholas said this must be at least two metres up from the ground and have signs up warning people that it is there.
He added: “It is also a good idea to site garden ornaments and furniture within view of your house and remember to use lighting with a movement sensor to help you to keep an eye on them – this should also deter the criminal.”
If you have any information about the incident contact Mr McNicholas on 08458 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

(Reproduced from www.getreading.co.uk 1st September)

GARDIEN TIP: The above article includes some sound advice. Further advice and quality garden security products can be found at www.garden-security.co.uk