Britons 'should lock external doors to protect garden equipment'

As the summer approaches, many Britons may be looking forward to getting out and doing some work in their gardens, but when they put their equipment away at the end of the day, they should remember to lock the external doors of the place where the items are stored.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, garden theft increased by 58 per cent last summer, with the average cost of replacing items standing at £429.

In light of this, the cover provider is urging Britons to take steps to ensure that they secure the outside of their home, as well as the inside.

This could mean ensuring patio doors or conservatories are as secure as possible if garden equipment or furniture is stored inside the home.

Furthermore, the firm advises ensuring sheds, gates, garages and outbuildings are locked at all times and that bricks are placed in the bottom of patio plant tubs to make them difficult to be carried away.

It goes on to urge that lawnmowers and bicycles are locked out of sight, while ladders and tools should be hidden away as they could be used to break into a home.

Police across the country recently urged homeowners to always lock their external doors, even if they are at home, in order to reduce the risk of falling victim to a burglary.

Force 8 the North West's leading window and door manufacturer.

Written by Alice Cox