Ananova:

A council is urging gardeners not to lock their sheds - so thieves don't damage them when they break in.

Allotment holders in Bristol have been warned padlocks can lead to thieves forcing their way through doors and windows of the council-owned sheds.

Bristol City Council claims its 'Don't Use a Padlock' initiative will save taxpayers' money because fewer sheds will have to be repaired or replaced, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Its guide 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."

One gardener, at Bifield Allotments in the Stockwood area of the city, whose shed was broken into a few weeks ago, criticised the advice.

Terry Nichols, 71, who has rented his plot for more than 25 years, said: "It beggars belief that the council is 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 have never read anything so ridiculous in all my life."

A spokesman 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 the doors being jemmied off.

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