BRISTOL City Council is warning allotment holders not to secure their sheds with padlocks – because they are being damaged by thieves who rip them off.

Allotment holders have complained of thieves breaking into the council-owned sheds to steal their property.

But the council says using padlocks to lock the sheds will result in causing more damage.

Resident Terry Nichols, 71, has had an allotment at the back of his house in Bifield Road, Stockwood, for more than 25 years.

His shed was broken into a few weeks ago.

When he complained a city council officer sent him a "Don't Use A Padlock" guide.

The letter, seen by the Evening Post, reads: "Don't padlock your shed, it can save the shed being damaged if someone does try to get into it.

"If there is a break-in, always inform the police."

Mr Nichols said: "It beggars belief that the council are telling us to leave our sheds wide open so that anyone can get in them.

"Everyone who has an allotment has been sent a letter. I've never read anything so ridiculous in all my live."

The engineering consultant, who has grown potatoes, runner beans, onions, lettuces and beetroot on his allotment this year, added: "I doubt the council would pay up if the sheds were burgled while they were left unlocked.

"Imagine what the response would be if they told council tenants to leave their house unlocked to stop them getting damaged during a burglary. The whole thing is bonkers."

The council advice, issued by an administration officer Wendy Gilborson, contradicts advice issued by Avon and Somerset police.

Police advice on how to stop a shed being burgled states that padlocks should be used, as well as a battery-powered shed alarm.

One in four burglaries in Bristol happen because people leave doors and windows open or unlocked, say police.

Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Jenny Bigwood said: "Police advice is to secure your shed with good-quality hasps and hinges attached with coach bolts and security screws, use good-quality padlocks and a battery-powered shed alarm, all readily available from DIY stores."

But despite the police advice, Bristol City Council has insisted its policies on padlocks is correct.

Council spokesman Pete Wood said: "Where sheds have been repeatedly broken into our advice – and it is only advice – is not to padlock them as forced entry often results in doors being jemmied off.

"The city council takes security at the site seriously and this year has improved fencing.

"However, it is difficult to keep out those determined to gain unauthorised access to a large site like this."