PROMOTION
I’ve definitely been guilty in the past of leaving my garden at risk.
There’s often a false sense of security in your own garden – a feeling like it’s safe somehow, just because it’s got a wooden fence around it. Add to that the fact that I’m very much a ‘well that was fun for twenty minutes now let’s do something else’ sort of a person, and you can imagine that my gardens have often been left littered with tools and garden accessories.
Did you know though that more than 2.5 million UK homes have fallen foul of garden thefts, with the average cost of a claim now standing at £208? That’s a total of £517 million worth of garden items that have been stolen!* When you think about it, there’s a lot to steal in a garden, from tools and furniture through to trees and shrubs in containers.
If you are a keen gardener and don’t want anymore getting their hands on your plants, it’s worth considering these top tips from PevGrow on how to keep your garden secure during the summer. Check out 420ExpertAdviser too for more resources.
Shed security
Whether you’re packing up for the day or just nipping inside for a ten-minute refuel, it’s important to put all garden tools and expensive items away and out of sight. It only takes a few minutes for a burglar to break in, so lock any outbuildings with a robust, weatherproof padlock and secure individual, more expensive items with anchor locks and cables.
For added peace of mind, a standalone, battery-powered alarm can be placed freestanding or fixed to a wall within your shed for easy installation and convenience. These also act as an excellent visual deterrent, to deter even the most determined intruders!
Don’t give thieves an easy ride
Approximately 1,044 bicycles are stolen daily in the UK – that’s around one every minute!** Following a winter of hibernation for the majority of cyclists, bike thefts tend to see a marked increase in summer, as the warmer weather means more people take to the two-wheeled transport. Bicycles are attractive prospects for thieves as they are widely available, universally used, easy to sell, and often left poorly secured.
Always use a heavy-duty, robust chain lock to secure your bike, and keep it out of sight overnight in a secured garage or shed. You can also register your bike with a police-approved scheme to increase the chances of your bicycle being returned.
Protect your perimeters
A property that looks difficult to get into is less likely to be targeted by opportunistic thieves. As a result, always keep gates closed and repair any damaged fences. Additionally, make sure all hedges and bushes are trimmed, making it more difficult for thieves to remain undetected.
Invest in outdoor security lighting and put the spotlight on thieves. In addition to this, Yale’s Smart Home Alarm not only acts as an excellent visual deterrent, but will also notify you once it’s triggered, sending a live image to your smartphone.
Lastly, remember to lock up ladders and secure wheelie bins, as these are perfect for giving burglars a leg up into the rest of your home!
Garden shed in summer
*Cooperative Insurance
**Cycling UK