Lawnmowers and ladders targeted as garden crime rises by 25% when clocks go forward. Green-fingered homeowners are being warned to secure their sheds and garages as the long-awaited British Summertime also brings a spike in theft from the great outdoors.
Analysis of 10 years of claims data from Aviva reveals that thefts from gardens and outbuildings shoot up by over a quarter (25%)* when the clocks go forward with the average haul totalling around £850.
Children’s toys, bikes and garden tools – from the swankiest lawnmower to the basic rake – are the thieves favourite:
Garden equipment stolen each year on average:
- 42% of thefts involve power tools, like electric drills, planers and saws
- 39% involve tools like spades, shovels, rakes and forks
- 19% involve electric and petrol lawnmowers, chainsaws and ladders
Statistics show that thefts from outside the home start to increase as evenings get lighter at the beginning of March with a 10% increase compared to the dark nights of January.
Claims then steadily increase as the days get longer and lighter until they reach their peak in July and August when they are almost 40% higher than at the beginning of the year.
Top Tips to beat the shed burglar
- Don’t tempt the thieves in, put away your garden tools, paddling pool, trampoline and bikes at the end of the day.
- Lock your sheds and out-buildings, replace any rusty padlocks.
- Close gates and repair damaged fences – deterrents are sometimes the best prevention.
- Hide or cover bulky items which can’t be locked away, such as large gas barbecues and picnic benches.
- Lock up ladders and secure wheelie bins – they are perfect for giving burglars a leg up into the rest of your home!
To cover your property against theft, why not take out a household policy with us today? Give us a call on 01444 810 088 or email us at info@bennettchristmas.com.