Outdoor thefts set to increase

by Gill Montia

Story link: Outdoor thefts set to increase

Aviva is reminding homeowners to secure their sheds and garages as British Summertime approaches.

Analysis of 10 years of the insurer’s claims data reveals that thefts from gardens and outbuildings shoot up by over a quarter when the clocks go forward, with the average haul totalling around £850.

Children’s toys, bikes and garden tools are favourites with thieves, and of the garden equipment stolen last year: 42% of thefts were for power tools; 39% were for simple hand tools and 19% were for electric and petrol lawnmowers, chainsaws and ladders.

The research shows that thefts from outside the home begin to increase at the start of March, as evenings get lighter, with a 10% rise 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.

Peter Ketteringham, household underwriting manager at Aviva, says; “Extra hours of sunlight are obviously very welcome after months of darkness, but it also means that your expensive power tools, bikes and golf clubs are more visible than ever to a passing thief, as is your home security– or lack of it!”

Aviva’s top tips for beating garden thieves are as follows:

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.