During the summer months, home and garden thefts generally soar as burglars take advantage of careless lapses in home security.
-- Get an instant home insurance quote
In rising temperatures it's not uncommon for windows and doors to be left open and for gardens to fill up with goodies that are attractive to thieves. Garden furniture, BBQs, bicycles, garden tools, plants pots, lawn mowers are all out on display and easy to pinch.
Despite the risks, many homeowners make simple safety mistakes when it comes to securing their home and garden.
Rest assured, if your home is seen as an easy target, opportunist thieves will take full advantage, taking the time to scan your home and recording what they can spot through your windows, such as a handbag or set of keys.
They will notice if your garden gate is regularly left open and will study the locks on your doors.
Think like a thief
Here are a number of steps you can take to safeguard your home and garden to ensure you are not the next victim.
• If you go out, or away on holiday, set your alarm and ensure all windows and doors are locked securely.
• If you haven't got an alarm, install one. It will not only make your home more secure, it will bring down your insurance premiums
• Label valuable goods with an ultra violet pen and take note of serial numbers.
• Always keep a record of your garden equipment and lock it away in a secure shed or garage. Black out the windows.
• Keep garden gates closed and locked where possible.
• Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Display the stickers to discourage potential intruders.
• Invest in a timer switch so you can set inside lights to turn on and off when you are out.
• Consider outside security lighting and gravel paths. Light and noise are a thief's worst enemy.
Is the garden insured?
As homeowners invest in new equipment and plants, the value of garden contents is increasing. Most insurers include garden contents within their home contents policies.
However, it is important to check the garden cover limits as these do vary between insurers.
Homeowners should pay due care and attention at all times and keep all their equipment in a safe place, otherwise insurers can refuse to settle a claim.
