IT was a fitting solution for an annoying problem.

Allotment holders in Alresford had contacted the police after a hike in the number of thefts from their site.

On Saturday, August 28, the story came full circle when a group of low-level criminals helped out at the allotments off Spring Gardens.

PCSO Steve Hull, based at Alresford police station, arranged their visit through Hampshire Probation Service.

Wearing orange ‘Community Payback’ bibs, the eight-strong team did six hours of maintenance work. They will return each Saturday for the foreseeable future to improve security at the site and build a compost area.

PCSO Hull said: “I think it’s a fantastic idea. It’s giving people the message that people have committed the crime and are now paying back the community and helping us out.

“They [the payback team] said it was really nice. Other people at other projects don’t even talk to them but at Alresford one allotment holder even made them chocolate brownies – it was nice to show we appreciate them being there.”