Topic: Allotment Site Security Gate - PERSISTANT VANDALISM

[kt.]

We have a padlocked security gate to our site of which every plotholder has a key.  In 6 months the padlock has been glued or sealed.  The manufacturer sold us a spray substance that is supposed to prevent glue setting which does not appear to be working too well, resulting in repair or replacement of the padlock to the cost of around £500 so far. 

There have been no break-ins or vandalism since the gate was put on 3 years ago except this.  It is believed to be a a plotholder but as yet there is no evidence.  No other site in our local area has been vandalised this way.   There is another allotment site and a school which have padlocked gates opposite ours and they have been fine.  The lock is always vandalised when the padlock is off the gate bolt so access can still be gained into the site.  (No plotholder would lock themselves out).  There are 5-6 disgruntled plot holders who despise having to lock the gate in the evening or unlocking it if they are in early on a morning. 

To recover costs, options include:

a.  Rent rise (most likely - 20% as a guide)
b.  No supplements - rat poison, grass cutting, weedkiller for paths, no annual skip

Any suggestions to prevent it and / or recover costs welcome.

[jonny211]

Hiya,

That sounds like a real pain, it's sad to hear someone would rather break the lock instaed of spending 30secs undoing it.

Would they also trash a combination lock?

[Crystalmoon]

How awful that it is probably a plot holder  :o really shocking behaviour....& I bet if there wasnt a gate & all their plots were trashed or tools stolen they would soon complain about open gates!
As Jonny said would a combination look be a better option? Or any chance a CCTV camera could be used for awhile? Maybe just a sign saying there is one may be enough to put them off? xjane

[Ellen K]

Yes you are right, if the lock is never on the gate when this happens, it's definitely a plotholder.

Since it looks as if this is going to cost the site £1, 000 a year, what can you do other than put the rent up and explain to all the plot holders exactly why?

CCTV systems seem very cheap these days, certainly compared to what this has already cost you.  Might be worth looking at.

But like every other act of theft or vandalism, it's very difficult to prove.

Very sad to think one of your neighbours it doing this.

[Nigel B]

Woah!
 :o
Easy now!

CCTV:??  For goodness sakes! One lock gets damaged so you want to film everyone ??(Ellen K) that uses the gate, in response?
Do calm down.

Have you considered leaving the lock OFF the gate? What would happen then?
What was it like before the gate was locked? Was it as much trouble?
Why do you feel the need to fine every plot-holder in order to enforce  the locking of this gate, wherever it is?

[Robert_Brenchley]

Lose the lock, and write to every plotholder explaining the reason.

[gp.girl]

2 motion activated cameras, destroy the footage as you go except the important bit. Hide one very well cos they will destroy them too. Warning signs very important. Make sure the person is evicted to make the point.

Surely if you didn't need a padlock it wouldn't be fitted  ???

I'd love some security, It would stop the b+_)(*ds stealing/vandalising everything not hidden or locked away :'(

[Ellen K]

I suppose you could put it to a vote amongst the plotholders - whether to go for no lock on the gates or rent increase and why.

On our site, losing the lock wouldn't really be an option.

Dont know why anyone would object to CCTV, they're everywhere and it would be just on the gate.

[pumkinlover]

When we put better locks on there were a few occasions when the lock was discarded, but now if anyone finds the gate unlocked there are complaints.

Are they very expensive locks KT or has this happened a lot of times? The cost seems very high.

Have you let the members know what is happening, if we had had to spend that much money we would not have much left.

I cannot understand anyone who is not happy to have decent security, it just makes sense.

[BAK]

presumably the major cost is for cutting the necessary number of keys? unless you are able to get hold of another copy of the same lock.

Re motion activated cameras, they can usually be programmed to operate at specific times. This might be useful if you have some idea when it is happening, e.g. it always occurs overnight ... or whatever.

[Dopey]

£500 to replace locks? seems very steep, you can get very good high security locks for £10-£20 with a rating of 8+ (as long as its hardened steel then there all much the same) but a good set of bolt cutters to get rid of the broken lock, and if you ask the manufacturer to make to several locks that will all work off the same key, then you wont have to replace keys each time, just the lock itself, suspect everyone, including outsiders, a trick of some thieves is to damage the locks, you get fed up replacing them and then they break in, also put up a notice say something like "its a criminal offence to tamper with the locks, and the offender will be prosecuted" and make it clear if its found to be a plot holder he/she will lose there plot, make them think about what there doing, and the risk there taking by doing it

[kt.]

Are they very expensive locks KT or has this happened a lot of times? The cost seems very high.

The lock is a security lock which cost £100 a time, it cannot be cut through except with an angle grinder.  Security keys were cut one for each plotholder at £10 each and can only be cut with the certificate and security code.  170 keys - £1700 worth.

 

What was it like before the gate was locked? Was it as much trouble?
Why do you feel the need to fine every plot-holder in order to enforce  the locking of this gate, wherever it is?

We used to get around 40 break-ins per year prior to the lock and gate being put on 3 years ago.  We have had no vandalism or break-in since.  It is not to fine every plot holder but to recover money spent that will take us over budget. 

[Ellen K]

What are you going to do?

[picman]

Request a finger print off all plotholders , let it be known on the grapevine you have a print from the glue , those that refuse are suspect.....

[pumkinlover]

We used to get around 40 break-ins per year prior to the lock and gate being put on 3 years ago.  We have had no vandalism or break-in since.  It is not to fine every plot holder but to recover money spent that will take us over budget.  

With a record like that it makes it even harder to understand. I would have thought everyone would be so supportive of you and the provision of the locks :-\ :-\ :-\

Can you ask police for advice?
Apart from getting a few people to take turns at keeping an eye out  at certain times -if there is a pattern to this -I am at a loss as to what to suggest.

[Fayzie]

These ones that complain about locking up at night and opening in the morning should think themselves lucky - the area we live in if we wish to drive onto the allotment we have to open and re-lock 2 sets of gates, if you are walking on to the site you still have to go through a swing gate and then a locked gate which we are not allowed to leave open at any time even if you are on site!!!  We did have a combination lock but the keyword was worked out by the local youngsters and then all the camping stoves were stole off the site.  >:( Now it is just lock and key but god is it annoying but for the sake of security we all put up with it.   ???

[Dopey]

The lock is a security lock which cost £100 a time, it cannot be cut through except with an angle grinder.  Security keys were cut one for each plotholder at £10 each and can only be cut with the certificate and security code.  170 keys - £1700 worth.

Sorry but a lock with an 7 or above rating will have a hardened steel lock that cant be cut with bolt cutters, you ARE being ripped off, do what i said, go to a reputable company like Chubb or Yale directly and ask for advice, they will give you how ever many locks you want for the same set of keys, so if the lock is glued you can replace it without having to change keys

[bluecar]

Hello KT.

Are you sure it's an inside job. It could be someone with a grudge - for example somebody that has been evicted prior to the vandalism starting. However tough the lock is it will not stop someone glueing it up, but Dovey is putting forward a lower cost replacement possibility. Perhaps he could pm you with some contacts.

The only way to catch the offender is either by watch parties or CCTV. You could also report each incident to the police and they may keep a bit of an eye on the site.

Whilst putting the rent up, or foresacting extras, pays the cost - it is unlikely to stop the repetitive vandalism.

I hope you can find the right solution.

Regards

Bluecar

[CambourneSandra]

what about an alternative and have a lock with push button combination, and then when the gate is pushed closed it shuts and locks automatically. Thus not needing keys.

[Dopey]

If you still have the locks, they can be cleaned for use again, Acetone... is often found in household nail polish remover use this on glue to remove it, it also works with super glue as well, if its deep in to the lock soak it for a while, and then insert the key and work the glue, you may have to do this a few time, but its going to save you a lot of ££