Don’t allow green fingered thieves to target your garden
With the arrival of spring, esure warns UK homeowners about the potential for garden theft. It would seem that opportunistic thieves may be inclined to turn their attention to outdoor areas and outbuildings during this period. Therefore, esure is urging people to consider whether or not their level of home security and insurance cover is suitable.
According to research conducted by the home insurance company, 93 percent of the homeowners questioned frequently leave belongings out in the garden at night. Such items include jet washers and house pipes (19 percent), children’s toys (14 percent), garden tools (13 percent), bicycles (8 percent) and DIY equipment (6 percent). The key reason behind this move was described as being a lack of storage space.
This unavailability of storage space would appear to be such a problem for 30 percent that they are forced to rely on outbuildings for storing personal possessions that would normally be found in the home. 69 percent of the homeowners surveyed have never considered improving the security of their garden.
Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure home insurance, Mike Pickard, commented: “Brits may spend a great deal of time, money and effort on making their gardens attractive but they also need to think about security too. Taking a few simple steps can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of garden crime – such as the use of security lighting or prickly hedging as deterrents.
“Homeowners should also check the terms and limits of their home insurance policies. Some cover could be too low, especially in the event of an ‘outdoor’ theft where a shed is bulging with valuables or the lawn is strewn with desirables that are easy to snatch.”
In a bid to help homeowners protect their property this summer, esure has offered them some useful advice: Retain a record of the items kept in your garden and outbuildings, along with photographs if feasible. This should prove beneficial in the event of making a claim. Check that your shed door can not be easily kicked open and fit it with a strong lock. Be sure to lock away tools and ladders, which could otherwise be used for unlawful entry into outbuildings or even your home. Ensure that hedges are compact, as they can sometimes be sparse thus providing ample space for an intruder to crawl through. Thorny hedges act as a particularly effective deterrent. When positioning a garden shed, its windows should not be facing out onto a public area for all to see in. Make sure that fences are undamaged, as loose or missing planks and panels can provide an ideal entry point for thieves. Consider opting for surfaces such as gravel around your home, as this will make a noise upon approach and therefore poses more of a challenge to prospective thieves.
Adding security lighting outside the home can also act as a deterrent. Finally, simply tidy up at the end of the day by locking belongings up as safely as possible.
Those that are looking to enhance the level of security in and around their home may wish to consider taking out a secured loan to carry out the work required. One of many finance options available to homeowners, a secured loan could be used to make home improvements such as replacing existing doors and windows that may have weakened with age. UPVC double glazed windows can not only enhance security but could also help with energy efficiency and add warmth to a property. Security locks could also be fitted to further deter would-be thieves, along with alarms and closed circuit television if desired. In addition, a secured loan could be utilised to put up secure boundaries around the parameters of the property for even greater peace of mind.
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