POLICE in Crewe have been responding to reports of youths congregating and causing a nuisance in Mount Pleasant and Ford Lane allotment areas.

Allotment owners are urged to be vigilant to keep their property safe from vandals and would-be thieves after incidents of minor damage and theft have been reported over the past two weeks.

PC Victoria Pickford, beat manager for the Coppenhall area, said: “We have stepped up the police presence in the area and will disperse any youths who appear to be causing an issue for residents, and we will also deal with criminal activity in a more robust and appropriate manner where necessary.

“I would ask for the co-operation of allotment owners in securing their sheds and not keeping high value equipment or tools in their sheds which are a target for thieves and vandals.”

Any suspicious or antisocial behaviour should be reported to Cheshire Police on 101.