Fleet veteran's champion increases security around memorial garden after attempted gate theft

Security is being increased on a memorial garden after thieves tried to steal a second set of gates.

Harold Payne is creating a garden in Fleet to honour those who were killed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Falklands and Northern Ireland.

Sadly on Saturday morning, he discovered that someone had tried to steal a set of gates to link the garden to the Anglian Motel.

This is the second time that gates at the memorial garden had been targeted by thieves.

Last year a metal set was stolen from the Fleet Road entrance which were replaced with a special set created by the Chain Bridge Forge.

Mr Payne said: “I cannot understand why someone would steal gates from a memorial site after all this is dedicated to the people who fought and died in Northern Ireland and Iraq.

“I understand that someone stole another set of a gates in Holbeach St Johns on the same night.”

Mr Payne believes the attempted thieves must have been disturbed as the gates were still on site but one had been unscrewed. More cameras will be installed at the site to prevent further thefts. Mr Payne is also holding a free open weekend over June 4, 5 and 6 when caravans and military vehicles are invited to attend.