Thieves Targeting Gardens as Weather Gets Warmer

**Shut your sheds in spring as research reveals that when the clocks go forward thieves are on the hunt for your garden tools. **

Many of us are looking forward to March when the clocks go forward and so will thieves. Research carried out by insurance provider Aviva found that thefts from gardens, sheds and garages, shoot up by 25 per cent as British Summer Time begins.

Garden goods that fall into the hands of thieves include bikes, lawnmowers, garden tools and children's toys. The average haul criminals would get for these items totals around £900.

Ten years of data was collected, and found thefts from outside the home start to increase as the evenings get lighter. There is a 10 per cent increase in thefts from January to the beginning of March.

The study showed that as the days get longer the number of thefts increases and peak at almost 50 per cent more in July and August compared to the beginning of the year.

Bicycles and garden tools are the two most popular items with garden thieves, along with barbecues. Unbelievably plants and shrubs are not far behind.

Get Covered for Garden Theft

Check your home contents insurance policy covers theft of contents in outbuildings such as garages and sheds. It's not just mountain bikes and lawnmowers that can be stolen. If you have splashed out on some particularly nice garden ornaments, sporting equipment such as fishing tackle, or an outdoor dining set, be sure to get these items covered too.

Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of garden theft:

*Don't tempt the thieves in, put away your garden tools, paddling pool, trampoline and swing ball after use. *Lock your sheds and out-buildings, replace any rusty padlocks. *Close gates and repair damaged fences *Hide or cover bulky items which cannot be locked away, such as large gas barbecues and picnic benches. *And for those of you who treat your shed as a second home, check your policy details to ensure your mini television, playstation and beer fridge don't go over your policy limits.

Compare home insurance to find the best one for covering garden theft.