By Jamie MacEwan

A mysterious break-in at Beverly Park allotments, New Malden, occurred during the night of April 10th, with at least 8 sheds having their locks cut and the attempted raid of the barn which houses expensive equipment.

The incident has shocked members of the association, as it is not usually the target of burglaries and was the subject of much debate during the Annual General Meeting, which took place two days after.

The allotments are surrounded by a park on one side and houses on the other. It is believed, however, that the criminals made their way in via the bottom, less protected region.

What adds to the intrigue – but also confusion – surrounding the event was the fact that nothing was stolen. A hammer and a can of petrol which had been taken from a shed were found lying on the ground early the next morning by a long-term member of the allotments, whose immaculate plot is much admired.

Speculation has been rife and beliefs include: that the thieves may have been looking for something specific; that they may have been disturbed or that they did not have a van and so could not transport any valuable heavy gardening goods away.

If this is the case, then the criminals’ planning was poor. Perhaps they were opportunistic robbers who decided to strike on the spur of the moment. It is unlikely that these were criminals experienced in this sort of crime, indicating their criminal infancy or exploring new areas of crime.

Could it be the case that the credit crunch, which fuels anxiety, anger and unemployment, is the cause of this – or at least a rise in incidents like this? Where people are driven into financial desperation, the calls of the criminal milieu are always that bit closer. Criminologists agree that we will see a rise in crime and violence – so could this be the start?

Despite some anticipating the worst, no further developments have taken place. It would seem the vandals did not see the worth of the place in the same way as those who cultivate its fertile land.