A recent poll by NFU mutual has revealed that around a third of the respondents have been the victim of garden theft and is warning homeowners to check their level of garden cover.
The research found a direct link between burglary incidence and more expensive garden contents. Laura Wood, spokeswoman for the firm, said: “The value of the rural garden is increasing with people spending more on state of the art barbecues, expensive garden furniture, tools and sometimes valuable statues .”
Ms Wood explained that in order for these items to be covered, they usually had to be specified on a policy. However, she added that taking simple precautions such as securing garden equipment to immovable objects and marking them clearly could deter thieves in the first place.
The price comparison website moneysupermarket.com agrees with the warning from NFU and lists lawnmowers, barbecue, heaters, expensive plants and elaborate statues as some of the essential garden items to cover.