​THIEVES have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of gardening tools from allotments in Ramsgate despite a new seven-foot-high security fence.

It is believed crooks unhinged a fence at the front of the Chilton West site on Friday, January 30, before scaling the security fence at the rear.

Dave Nimmo, who represents plot holders, said thieves took at least three strimmers, three rotavators, two lawnmowers, a hoe and a gas stove with four gas cartridges worth about £1,000.

He added: “They ransacked 65 out of 67 sheds, many of which had locks. This is the third time they’ve done us.”

Mr Nimmo believes the fence, put up by Thanet council, is not enough of a deterrent. He added: “I think we could do with a video camera at the site. We could also do with a large steel container for locking our stuff away like they have at Jackey Bakers.”

Thanet council has installed spiked fences around all of the isle’s allotments but thieves are still finding ways of getting in. Last summer thieves broke into 20 sheds at Jackey Bakers and made off with an assortment of gardening tools.

Ramsgate mayor David Green said: “The council has still got some cash left over from the sale of the Manston allotments so perhaps they could install cameras. I plan to put it to them next week.”

Police are investigating the latest break-ins.