May is one of the worst months for thefts from gardens, according to an insurance company. Nearly one in ten home owners reported that they had fallen victim to a theft from their garden with the average value of the items stolen at £176.
Alan Gairns, product manager at Allianz said: “Many people spend a lot of time and money on their garden so it’s important to remember that even simple measures such as locking garden gates and installing security lights can deter thieves. While gardens are covered by insurance, nothing can replace the time wasted replacing things that have been stolen and if it’s a bicycle there might be the added expense of using public transport while the item is replaced.”
About a third, 32pc of thefts from gardens involve something being stolen from the shed with lawnmowers, garden equipment and general household tools making the list. The bicycle is prized by thieves with one in five who have experienced garden theft reporting a missing bicycle. Barbecues have an average value of £167 with nearly one in ten people reporting theirs would cost between £200 and £4000 to replace. Despite having such an expensive item in their back garden, 30pc of people admitted that they don’t always lock their sheds.
