POLICE are investigating after a Monmouthshire gardening group had its allotment vandalised for the third time in less than two months.

Rogiet Allotments and Gardening Society, opposite Rogiet Train Station, is thought to have been vandalised at some point between 6pm on Saturday, February 1 and 9am on Sunday, February 2.

Damage to the allotments on Station Road amounts to at least £2,000 according to the society’s chairman Brian Evans.

The site, home to 44 plots, was left ransacked with two sheds broken into, tools strewn over the ground, polytunnels slashed, and even chickens released from their pens.

Mr Evans said he believes no expensive goods were stolen during the vandalism, but added that the incident had been devastating for the group the group, which was presented with an award last year for their contribution to Free Press Series: Two sheds were broken into during the incidentTwo sheds were broken into during the incident Monmouthshire ‘Best Village’ competition.

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The attack has been a devastating setback for the site who were presented with an award last year for their contribution in the best village competition.

“They wrecked the lot but didn’t take anything of note, which just tells you they wanted to destroy what we’ve created,” he said.

“This has now happened three times in less than two months, which is proving very upsetting and frustrating to us all.

“The two incidents that happened in December were minor compared to this.

Free Press Series: Poly-tunnels were left slashed openPoly-tunnels were left slashed open

“We only had a grant from the council last year to add an orchard, a pond and picnic benches. It was looking lovely.”

Mr Evans explained that a group member realised something wasn’t right when he arrived at the allotments early Sunday morning.

“As soon as he arrived he saw the polytunnel flapping unusually in the wind and then he realised the extent of the damage,” Mr Evans added.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: “We received a call at about 9.30am on Sunday from a member of the public reporting that between 6pm on February 1 and 9am on February 2, a number of allotments were broken into, property had been stolen and sheds damaged.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting log number 191 02/02/20.

You can also message Gwent Police via Facebook and Twitter. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.