Four pumpkin patches targeted by vandal smashers

The owners of four pumpkin patches have been left picking up the pieces after they said they were destroyed by children.

Family-run patches in Woodbridge, East Bergholt, Ipswich and Barton Mills, all in Suffolk, said they had to use wheelbarrows to clear up the smashed Halloween treats.

Farmers said the squash-squashers acted in plain sight, filming their behaviour, and some customers reported seeing parents laughing during the destruction.

Suffolk Police asked the public to be respectful but also said it was "heartening" to see some local people clearing up the mess.

Laura Harris, who runs The Pumpkin Patch in East Bergholt, planted 20,000 seeds in May, only for her hard work to be undone when 200 pumpkins were smashed in a day.

"It seems to be families getting overexcited and smashing them, but it was really heart-wrenching," she said.

"Financially, it is a really, really hard hit on us, but it's also about the time and the energy that goes into growing them."

Harris has not reported the vandalism to police, but nevertheless, she said "really kind" officers visited to offer their support.

"We felt it was something we could deal with, and we want to use it as an opportunity to educate and encourage people rather than punish," added Harris.

"We are just reminding people pumpkins need to be treated with love and respect - don't throw them, don't use them as footballs."

She said her faith had been restored by the "heart-warming" reaction from the community.

Jess Church and her team, from the Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch, planted about 25,000 seeds by hand in June.

More than 500 pumpkins had been destroyed, she said.

"It's very sad and disheartening - it's a complete mess," she said.

"You wouldn't go into someone's vegetable patch and kick all of their vegetables."

She said some of the public reported seeing parents laugh about it.

"Everyone has been incredible and really supportive and we've loved it this year, so it's just really sad to end on such a negative note."

Stocks Fun Fair in Ipswich said it shut down its patch early after vandals smashed their pumpkins and stole decorations.

In a social media statement, it said: "This is heartbreaking – to see something we've worked so incredibly hard for, deliberately damaged, is devastating."

The Suffolk Pumpkin Patch, in Barton Mills, said it too had been targeted, days before being dubbed the "most depressing in the UK" by social media influencer Alex Dodman.

It said its displays and activities had been damaged and their "skeletons pulled apart".

Suffolk Police said smashing pumpkins was "completely unacceptable".

"On a more positive note, it has been heartening to see members of the local community stepping in to help clear up the mess," a spokesperson said.

"Your kindness and community spirit have not gone unnoticed."

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