A VEGETABLE grower who has been using Chard’s allotments for nearly 40 years says a spate of thefts of veg this year is the worst he has ever known.

Raymond White says there have been thefts at the allotments in Chardstock Lane, the site of 170 plots, on a weekly basis since May.

Mr White, who has lost some of his own vegetables, says potatoes, cucumbers and onions have all been taken.

He said: “I’ve been at the allotment for 37 years and have never had a problem until now.

“There isn’t much you can do – you should be able to trust people.”

Mr White said the perpetrators have also damaged the ground in places while taking vegetables.

Chard Town Council, which runs the allotments, says it is taking the matter seriously.

A council spokesman said a large number of complaints had been made about the thefts and it is looking into ways of making the site more secure.

The council also urged people not to leave anything of value at the allotments and if they did have any problems to call the police who have increased patrols of the area.

Chard beat manager Constable Paul Thomas said: “I can see their frustration when they grow stock all year round and it gets stolen from them.

“We encourage anybody to keep an eye out and report any suspicious behaviour to the police and encourage everyone to be more vigilant.”