Police have condemned vandals causing 'reckless damage for the sheer fun' after a spate of costly attacks at a popular allotment.
Up to 10 greenhouses have been smashed and 'numerous' sheds broken into at Granville Park allotment in Urmston, Trafford, officers said.
Police are investigating and patrols have been stepped up as a result.
The 50-plot allotment is owned by Trafford council and the vandal attacks have happened over the past week.
The fenced-off site is secure, with anti-vandal paint in use.
But yobs have been scaling the fences to enter the site and cause damage.
GMP Trafford North posted details of the vandalism on Facebook, and said they would look to make arrests and issue banning orders.
The force said in the post: "Sadly, over the past week, up to 10 greenhouses have been smashed and numerous sheds have been broken into at Granville Road allotment, Urmston.
"It would appear that groups have caused reckless damage for the sheer fun of leaving plot owners in fear of attending the site and not feeling safe enough to even fix the damage to their own property.
"It is likely that it is the same groups who have caused issues at the nearby local parks.
"The area is going to receive regular passing attention, please can residents on Granville Road and Westbourne Park be vigilant and report anyone hanging around to the police via 101 or our online live chat.
"To the groups causing issues in local parks and allotments…stop.
"When we identify you, you will be arrested and we will look at orders to ban you from these areas."
Heather Hornby, chair of Granville Park allotment, praised the continued response of police.
But she said: "We have had problems going back to 2019.
"It started with kids jumping over the fencing and getting in.
"They were removing tools from sheds.
"We have found plastic drugs bags and cigarette ends. They have urinated in sheds as well.
"We have insurance but it does not cover people's property. People are facing costly repair bills.
"The toll this is having is on the plot holders. Some of them are on their own, others are pensioners. People feel frightened and unsafe."
Trafford council also condemned the vandal attacks.
A spokesperson said: "We are appalled by this vandalism and will be working with the police to help identify those responsible.
"The allotments are a haven for people during lockdown and they should be respected."
