Bert Broekman effortlessly lists the latest row of burglaries. “The doors of those two sheds were separate. Also of those sheds there.” Broekman is a board member of ATV Baggelhuizen and is responsible for maintenance. He also shows the burned greenhouse at the back of the site. “The shed next to it is still in reasonable condition. But the greenhouse is completely burned out.”
The association has tried everything to prevent the burglaries and vandalism, but Broekman has little hope that it will stop soon. The site is quite remote and there is little to no supervision at night.
A sturdy container, purchased to keep thieves out, became a victim two years ago. The amount of damage amounted to 8,000 euros. The board has now changed course. Nowadays, gardeners take valuables with them when they are finished and often leave the doors open. “If you put a lock on this, they will grab the crowbar. And then you have to replace the door and the lock. Now they can see everything at a glance.”
Despite the frustrations, Bert Broekman does not believe that members want to stop. “That has to be the case, otherwise vandalism would win over the hobby.” According to him, gardeners are resilient people. “Gardening is not a bed of roses. And whether that means a crop failure or the weather not cooperating, we can take a beating.”