ALLOTMENT-holders are carrying out late-night patrols in a bid to deter cheeky criminals who are going along under the cover of darkness and stealing fruit and veg.

Police have recently given permission for photos and a video gained of people appearing to steal produce from the Chard allotments to be published.

The News reported reported earlier this month how people are going along during the night and helping themselves to vegetables and fruit grown by green-fingered enthusiasts at the 170 allotments in Chardstock Lane.

A video of people going under the cover of darkness armed with torches and shopping bags has been recorded and it shows them picking the produce.

That footage has now been uploaded to YouTube and the footage of the 'pick your own' thieves can be viewed here at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC5cGjux39g Thieves have continued their late-night thefts – much to the annoyance of allotment-holders, who spend many hours tending to their crops.

A spokesman for the Chard Allotment Holders Association said: “A plot holder has reported that he had some runner beans stolen on Thursday (August 6, 2015) night.

“Some of the allotment holders are patrolling up there occasionally late at night.”

The spokesman said reiterated his view that as many of the allotment holders were elderly – he said that the thieves were 'robbing pensioners'.

Police have asked that if anyone recognises those pictured please call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.