GARDENS Association head Len Staton issued a health warning to would-be thieves - steal our vegetables at your peril!

The warning came after leeks which had been sprayed with fungicide were stolen from allotments over the weekend.

The leeks were stolen from allotments in Lawton Road, Alsager, and the fungicide makers advise growers not to eat sprayed vegetables for 21 days.

Many gardeners spray their vegetables with fungicide and insecticide, and leeks, cabbages, cauliflowers, runner beans and onions are ready to be picked.

Mr Staton, chairman of Alsager Gardens Association, said the leek thief could be taken ill if he or she ate the sprayed leeks or got fungicide on their hands.

He urged the person to contact a doctor immediately if they felt ill as a result of handling or eating the stolen leeks.

He added that signs at Alsager's four allotments warned trespassers would be prosecuted, and a notice had gone up since the leek theft stressing that crops had been sprayed.

"We felt it was essential to tell the public about this theft, so people who might be offered leeks on the cheap have been warned,'' said Mr Staton.

"Growers are warned to wash their hands after using fungicide and insecticide, and not to eat crops for 21 days.''

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