IPSWICH: Allotment holders have been left counting the cost after thieves broke into more than 40 sheds, leaving a trail of destruction.

Sheds at Bramford Lane allotments were broken into, doors and windows were smashed and electrical goods were taken between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

One allotment holder, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisals, said: “There was so much damage, fences were broken and windows were smashed.

“It will cost some people a lot of money to replace everything. A similar break-in happened around this time last year.”

Police believe the thieves would have been at the allotments for a long time, due to the level of damage caused, and have today appealed with witnesses to come forward with information.

A police spokeswoman said officers believed thieves had struck between 5pm on Friday evening and 7am on Saturday.

She said: “Enquiries are being made and Scenes of Crime officers have been at the scene.

“Tools were stolen – both electrical tools and hand tools.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious at the allotments or has information which might help police with their investigations, are asked to call Pc Adam Long at the Ipswich North West Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101, alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

n Have you been a victim of a crime? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or send an e-mail to eveningstar letters@eveningstar.co.uk