28 Jul 2026
Vandals trashed a vegetable patch used to provide goods for a local foodbank in the latest incident of anti-social behaviour affecting a city centre churchyard.
Vegetables were pulled up and frames and borders damaged at St Peter’s Church, ruining crops which should have been donated to Christ Church foodbank.
Officer manager Carolyn Alexander said: “Our volunteer gardening team work really hard to look after the churchyard so the local community can enjoy it.
“The police have been patrolling more frequently in the churchyard and we have let them know about this. We are hoping if the public are aware of this they might look out for things like this happening and let us know.”
Church volunteer Margaret Wainwright is one of nine volunteers who, every week, give up their time to care for St Peter’s Churchyard.
“Together we weed, prune, litter-pick, mow, and maintain a vegetable garden, the produce from which is donated to the food bank at Christ Church, High Oaks.
“For the past 18 years I have had the privilege of helping to look after this special place. During that time, we have witnessed many challenges in the far corner of the churchyard where the vegetable garden is situated, including rough sleepers, drug dealing, late-night drinking, and the area being used as a public toilet.
“Despite these difficulties, our volunteers have continued to care for the churchyard because we believe it is an important green space for everyone in our community.
“On July 7, however, we were deeply saddened to discover that our vegetable garden had been deliberately vandalised.
“Rhubarb plants had been torn from the ground, broccoli, cabbages, Brussels sprouts and potatoes had been uprooted, and the wooden frames surrounding the beds had been dismantled and broken.
“Months of patient work by dedicated volunteers were destroyed in what appears to have been a completely senseless act.
“The loss goes far beyond damaged plants. Fresh produce that would have helped support the local food bank has been lost, and the efforts of volunteers who freely give their time to improve the churchyard for the benefit of the whole community have been undermined.
“We are welcoming to everyone who uses the churchyard. We have met many people who appreciate this peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and who have offered kind words of encouragement for our work. That support makes this act of vandalism all the more distressing.
“We are asking for the support of local residents, councillors, the police and the wider community. If you are walking through the churchyard and notice anything unusual or any damage, please let us know. I can be contacted through the church office at mail@stpeterschurch.uk.com.
“St Peter’s Churchyard is a place of peace, reflection and community. It deserves to be protected and enjoyed by everyone. We hope that, by working together, we can ensure it remains a safe, welcoming and beautiful space for future generations.
“Please take the time to visit the churchyard, especially during the spring and summer months, when it is at its most colourful, and help us keep watch over this beautiful part of our city.”
PC Jo Busch said: “We have increased patrols as the churchyard has been a previous problem area for anti-social behaviour and drug use.
“We are investigating the recent criminal damage at St Peter’s churchyard and are working with St Albans City and District CCTV operators.
“If you know who is responsible or see anyone causing criminal damage, please report it online at www.herts.police.uk/report or call 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.”
