Volunteers at the Suffolk Park Community Garden in Beech Drive have been left disheartened after thieves have targeted their garden shed, stealing much-needed equipment at the weekend.
Garden coordinator Ayesha Salazar-Martinez said the lock on the shed had been kicked off and the thieves have stolen tools including a spade, rake and a lawnmower.
It’s not the first time the garden – which is located in Beech Drive near the soccer fields and skatepark – has been targeted by thieves and vandals.
‘We had just brought the shed because it happens too often,’ she said.
‘We raised the money for the shed ourselves because we receive no government assistance.’
Ms Salazar-Martinez said work on the garden began a year and a half ago after the previous community garden had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect.
‘The site was all covered in weeds and a small group of volunteers have created a much larger garden with terraces,’ she said.
‘The break-in is very disappointing to us because everything we had was donated. We can’t afford to keep buying tools.
She said it was hoped members of the community might donate some new tools and better security for the shed, and also keep a watch on the area.
Anyone with information about the break-in should contact Byron police 66 859 499.
