A thief who broke into 40 sheds at a west Oxford allotment -- burning one of them down -- has been spotted at the site trying to sell the goods he stole.

The man, who has not been caught, is alleged to have admitted breaking into 40 sheds at New Botley Allotments off Botley Road, and burning one of them down.

He made the admission to two boat owners who were moored at nearby Tumbling Bay, a former bathing place in the corner of Botley Park.

The couple tried to keep the man talking for 20 minutes while they called the police, but he eventually walked away.

The boat owners have since moved to New Zealand and were unavailable for comment.

Susanna Pressel, president of the allotment association and Labour city councillor for Jericho and Osney, said plot holders felt neglected by police and the city council, which owns the site.

She said: "We understand if police officers are out fighting major crimes and are too busy to come to the allotments, but the fact that no one then came out the following day to take a statement or to take any further action really was disappointing.

"Police officers did not bother to speak to anyone or do anything. They just didn't seem to pursue it at all and our queries are passed from one officer to the next."

A crisis meeting was held on Friday evening between plot holders, police and city council staff to discuss how to tackle the issue.

It was decided that new security measures, including building better fences and strengthening hedges, could help prevent problems.

From next year, the city council is also set to provide park rangers who will patrol the area at least once a day.

Plot holders also challenged police to provide evidence that they had "actively pursued" crimes occurring at the allotments.

Kate Smith, Thames Valley Police spokesman, said: "The incidents are being investigated and police attended the public meeting in order to work with the community to find those responsible."