Allotment evictions after search and raid

The operation and enforcement action on Friday 24 April was led by City Council officers with support from Northumbria Police, the Tyne and Wear Fire Rescue Service and the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA).

It followed community intelligence that several allotment holders were using their plots for criminal, illegal and dangerous activities.

As part of the operation:

• Seven allotment tenants were served with immediate eviction notices
• Three more plot holders will be served with eviction notices once animals are safely removed
• Three Ford Transit vehicles, believed to be stolen, were seized
• One further vehicle suspected of being used in criminal activity was also seized
• Cannabis cultivation equipment was removed from two separate locations on the site
• A small quantity of cannabis for personal use was seized
• Two machetes were recovered
• Two firearms were seized, including one that may have been unlawfully held and an air rifle prohibited for use on allotment land.

Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA seized two rabbits, one of which required urgent care, and made arrangements to remove ducks and cockerels after securing the necessary orders.

Allotment sites have rules permitting only certain animals to be kept on them, such as bees or hens, and others, such as horses and cockerels are not permitted. Investigations are also continuing into dogs being kept on the site.

All 33 plots at Pallion were searched with more sanctions, notices and prosecutions being prepared.

The City Council's Executive Director of Economy and Place, Peter McIntyre said: "This multi-agency operation shows our commitment to working with our partners and the community to tackle criminal behaviour and protect allotments for the people who use them as they were intended.

"We will continue to take robust action where tenancy agreements and the law are being ignored. We've had feedback from genuine plot holders who have welcomed the action and criminal activities are not tolerated on allotments or anywhere else in our city."

There are 89 allotment sites across Sunderland and 75 are managed by the council with a further 14 managed by allotment associations.

Mr McIntye added: "This operation has also generated a significant amount of new community intelligence, which will now be assessed and acted upon by the council and our partner agencies. Residents and allotment holders are always encouraged to report concerns to us here at the council or our partners at Northumbria Police."

Further enforcement work is underway, including more checks on tenancies and vetting, and fire safety inspections.

Sunderland Neighbourhood Inspector Natalie Orton said: "Allotment sites have been a pillar of our communities for generations.

"They should be available for people to use to grow produce, spend time with friends, family and to take a break from the stresses of life - not for those who are looking for a location to commit crime.

"I'm pleased that we were able to take action and regain control of the allotment site - hopefully the plots will be reissued to members of the community who will really benefit from their use."

She added: "We will continue to work with Sunderland City Council and other partner agencies to ensure that the allotment site doesn't reach this level of disarray again.

"Joint visits will continue and action will be taken on those who attempt to use to land unlawfully.

"We're committed to making this a safe space for our community."