Vandals have wrecked some 20 allotments at Johnny Watterson’s Lane in Douglas, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area after allotments were trashed with plants destroyed, greenhouse and shed windows smashed and one shed even set on fire.

Police and firefighters were called to the scene at about 6am on Tuesday after a taxi driver saw smoke coming from the site.

Extensive damage was caused leaving allotment owners facing large repair bills.

Police confirmed inquiries are continuing and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Allotment holder Maggie Rough, from Douglas, said: ’I’ve had a shed window broken, plants ripped up, a new table overturned.

’I got off lightly, one person had their shed set on fire and his polytunnel melted, his shrubbery is all charred.

’There are around 72 plots there and I would say at least 20 are affected. The cost of my damage will probably be around £100 but monetarily it’s not important. It’s the sheer disregard for people’s property.

’People spend hours of their time putting in hard work. Everyone is very upset.

’It’s an unmitigated act of vandalism. There’s no excuse for it. We’ve never had anything like it before.’

Mark Falconer, from Douglas, whose wife Yvonne’s allotment was vandalised, said: ’Costs are difficult to estimate, allotment owners have a make-do-and-mend philosophy, so are unlikely to replace new for old.

’On my wife’s allotment four glass panes in the greenhouse were broken. A frame was bent, which might be repairable.

’A new greenhouse would cost maybe £200. Two broken glass panes in the shed will cost £5-£10. The corner and door of a fruit cage were broken. New parts are needed.

’Then there is additional security - a new padlock for the shed is £20. There’s no easy way to secure sheds and greenhouses etc. in an open field.

’CCTV and additional fencing would be great, but would cost a small fortune. Tidying up just costs time.’

Another allotment owner, Jon Farrant, from Douglas, said: ’It’s a mess. All in all I think I’ve got off lightly. I had the windows in the shed smashed.

’A garden fork was snapped and a barometer smashed but someone had their shed burnt down. I have suggested we all chip in with costs.

’A new shed could cost £1,000, even a cheap and cheerful one is £200-£300, then you’ve got the cost of getting it there.

’It should only cost me around £50 but it’s the inconvenience.’

the vandalism at allotments at johnny watterson’s lane