A TOWN has launched a crime fighting network to tackle vandalism and improve security at its allotments.

Ferryhill Town Council has joined forces with police and allotment holders to create the Allotment Watch scheme, which was launched yesterday.

The initiative will see hundreds of gardeners supporting each other by sharing information about recurring problems affecting their allotments.

The council has also pledged to invest any money from the possible sale of surplus plots into improving other allotments and is working with police on a crime prevention audit of all sites.

The scheme was initiated after a series of incidents including branches being ripped from trees, fences broken and the theft of tools and livestock, such as pigeons, from sheds.

Community Inspector Adrian Green said the scheme was a long-term commitment to improve security across the town's allotments.

He said: "The partnership introduced the Allotment Watch scheme on the back of recent problems at sites in Ferryhill.

"There have been several incidents of criminal damage, such as tree limbs being broken and bottles being thrown onto the gardens which are mindless acts.

"The allotment holders themselves, working with the professional agencies, will try and deter future offences of damage and nuisance. We want people to be able to enjoy the allotments that they put so much time and effort into."

Ferryhill Town Council has printed posters and pocket cards displaying police telephone numbers to remind allotment holders how to get in touch with officers.

Residents are asked to remain observant and jot down anything suspicious they notice particularly dates, times, vehicle details and personal descriptions.

Victims of allotment crimes are asked to report all incidents so police can establish patterns and target resources to the sites when there is the greatest chance of a successful operation.

Shirley Leary, of East End allotments which was targeted recently, said: "This will hopefully help us to catch the criminal and also let them know we are watching them."

Durham police can be contacted on 0845 6060365.