Vandals broke into an allotment and smashed up 15 sheds with an axe and a sledge hammer.

Locks, doors, walls and windows at the Old Waterworks site in Hollingdean, Brighton, were damaged by the intruders who got in through a hedge.

Site representative Chris Webb said he was disgusted by the attack the second since January.

Mr Webb, 57, of Saunders Park View, Brighton, said: "It's just wanton vandalism, just kicks for the kids that did it. They'll probably move on to burglary next, then worse.

"The worst thing is that the police won't do anything about it."

He said the vandalism, which happened last Wednesday evening, was reported to police the following morning.

It was discovered by a resident as she walked past the site.

Reg Hooper, 74, said the door and side of his shed had been smashed.

Retired scaffolder Mr Hooper, of Horndean Road, Brighton, said: "I'm a senior citizen and I'm disabled. I work hard at the allotments and do my best and this is what happens. There's no need for it."

Police gave the allotment-holders a crime reference number but Mr Webb said yesterday no further action had been taken.

At the force's request he has kept the tools used by the vandals, which were taken from the sheds they broke into.

Mr Webb said: "I can't keep them for ever. They belong to other people."

Allotment-holders say they are disappointed Brighton and Hove City Council, which is responsible for maintaining the site, has done nothing to improve security despite being aware of the vandalism.

Mr Webb said: "We have a lot of gear here and we pay a lot of rent. We expect them to at least keep it secure."

He was concerned previous allotment-holders still held keys to the site's main gate.

A council spokeswoman said it was working with the site's owner, Southern Water, to install a new fence on the eastern side of the allotments where the vandals forced their way in.

She said the council was aware there was a problem but the site was one of the most secure in the city.

Sussex Police said nothing had been reported stolen and it was dealing with the matter as a case of criminal damage.

Allotment-owners who have had property damaged should call police on 0845 6070999.