Allotments are generally safe and secure places but you may spot hazards that need attention. If you spot anything obviously unsafe, such as hypodermic syringes or anything you feel may be hazardous, such as asbestos-cement or rats, please note where it was and contact the Allotments Officer.

Please make sure you don't make the allotments more hazardous yourself. Never pour garden pesticides into old pop bottles. Make sure that garden pesticides are safely locked away when not in use. If you use petrol driven tools, only keep a small quantity of fuel at your plot and again make sure it's locked away.

Please think twice before making a pond on your allotment, even if its only an old bath sunk in the ground. Young children can drown in shallow water. Is your plot securely fenced and gated so that a child can't wander in from a neighbouring plot?

Allotments can never be fully secure. Keeping sites tidy and attractive is one of the best ways of deterring anti-social activity, theft and vandalism. You can help too:

• keep hedges around your plot to no more than 1.5 metres, to allow clear views across the plots. High, boarded fences or hedges can provide cover for people 'up to no good'
• if possible, keep valuable equipment at home. If you only keep a few old hand tools on your plot, you may not need a secure shed. If you decide to lock your shed, use a strong padlock and keep the shed in good repair
• if you experience theft or vandalism report this to the police on 0845 6060247. They may not be able to do much about your loss, but the information you give will help them track local problems and plan future policing