ALLOTMENTS in Colley Gate have been targeted by a thief who has stolen around £200 worth of fruit and vegetables – including show produce – over the last month.

Growers who have plots at Abbey Road Allotments reported gooseberry bushes being stripped, raspberries and blackcurrants disappearing and onions and cabbages being dug up and taken.

Bedding plants were also pulled up and thrown around and chairman Mick Poultney lost three potential show-winning onions which were drying off.

In desperation nature cameras were set up and the alleged culprit was pictured eating strawberries.

Footage has been passed to the police who are investigating.

Mr Poultney said two holes cut in the fence around the perimeter of the allotments had been found and fixed and growers were keeping watch for more signs of break-ins.

Anyone who recognises the alleged thief or has any information which could assist the police they should call 101.

Meanwhile, an open day and barbecue at the allotments last Saturday raised £90 for the Green Team made up of people with learning difficulties who tend a specially-designed extension to the allotments set up for them four years ago.