Gardeners are afraid of the homeless

A group of homeless people camping in an illegal camp raises concerns among the owners of plots on Ruska Street in Szczecin. Despite intervention by the services, the problem does not go away.

An illegal homeless camp is located next to brick garages near the ROD plots.

- I was contacted by representatives of allotment gardeners who, since last year, have been facing the growing problem of unauthorized and inconvenient occupation of allotment garden areas and their surroundings by homeless and often intoxicated people. The situation is escalating, as reported - after last year's illegal occupants, who were successfully removed, now strangers are appearing again, sometimes aggressive, who arouse fear among allotment gardeners and local residents - this is how city councilor Stanisław Kaup (KO) describes the matter in his interpellation to the city president.

The most serious incident so far was a fire in one of the gazebos belonging to a young couple of gardeners. It is suspected that it was arson. It happened two weeks after the services intervened in the place.

– Currently, many people are afraid to report such incidents due to their own safety and property – sums up councilor Stanisław Kaup.

The case was reported to the police. The City Police Headquarters in Szczecin confirms that there were and are ongoing proceedings in those areas – also in the case of the gazebo fire.

– There is one report on the National Threat and Safety Map concerning homeless people, from 2023. Since then, residents have not reported any problems, however, district officers from the Szczecin Śródmieście Police Department have designated places under their supervision. Homeless people are provided with information on possible forms of support – informs Senior Superintendent Anna Gembala, press officer of the Szczecin Municipal Police Headquarters. – Recently, officers from the Szczecin Śródmieście Police Department have conducted two proceedings, the first of which concerns possession of drugs and a break-in on one of the plots. Four people have been detained in this case. The second proceedings are related to a gazebo fire. They are ongoing. ©℗

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