Vandalism in the garden

Arriving a little earlier that week to find out what needed doing, I noticed that the shed was broken into. They ripped  part of the door, pulled out some broccoli plants, messed up the beds.

Although the first reaction was one of anger and disappointment, I decided not to do any gardening today but discuss Vandalism, how we feel about what had just happened, how we can prevent it. etc.

I felt the outcome was very interesting.

The young ones were very worried and a little apprehensive when they saw the shed broken into. I had to put them at ease by saying that I had checked and that there was no one in there.

Asking what to do, they decided to write a letter to the thief.
One girl said:"but how do we know where to send it to, so he can see it?"
Another answered: "my gran always writes to the Cambridge News if she wants people to see it"
So they wrote a little letter to the thief.

Dear Kitchen Garden reckers,

We feel angry and upset because you recked all our hard work. It took us as to do it all and now you have destroyed it all. If you o it again we will call the police!

The St Luke School Gardeners.

The next group, 8 year olds. Were more into finding out and investigating how they got in, what they damaged etc.
They suggested to install CCTV in the shed and wanted to see if there were witnesses. It so happened that one of the houses that backed on to the garden had some people working, so they very politely asked them if they had seen anything suspicious, probably on Friday evening. They were very polite and eloquent. Unfortunately no witnesses but at least they have done something to find out more.

The oldest group. Were outraged

They would have sent the following to the paper
Vandalism is a crime, you are doing the exact thing. If you do not stop you may get fined!
Joseph aged 9 gives you a warning!

We had a good discussion with all the age groups, on how it feels if someone damages something you have made. Have they ever damaged something a sibling or another person made? Can you see how that feels?  This lesson was about respect, kindness and empathy.
Hope we achieved something, it is hard to tell.

At leased we tried.