Homeowners warned of garden theft

Posted : 10-05-2005

Homeowners are spending large sums of money on their gardens yet are failing to ensure that this is covered by their home insurance, a new study has revealed.

Britons spend an estimated £15 billion on their garden, yet 83 per cent of garden owners are unaware as to whether this is protected by their home insurance, according to research by Post Office Home Insurance.

Garden theft is relatively common, the study found, making it imperative that homeowners are aware of exactly what is covered by their home insurance policies, to avoid loss if theft does occur.

An estimated 3.4 million people have been on the wrong end of garden theft, while 3.1 million people have had their shed stolen.

Mike Smith, head of home insurance at the Post Office, urged homeowners to review their home insurance policies and ensure that they are fully protected against garden theft, stating: "These days gardens are worth a considerable amount.

"Expensive garden ornaments, water features and garden furniture all add to the value of a garden, so it's important that people check that they have adequate cover."

Two in five garden owners believe the contents of their garden to be worth in excess of £400.

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