Secure your sheds and guard your garages

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” – Wendy Wunder.
Now that lockdown restrictions have been lifted and the world is your oyster again, you might be travelling to sunnier climates or perhaps another area of the U.K.
Your home security is likely to be on ‘Ready, Set, Go’ status just before you embark on your travels, but have you remembered to make sure your shed, garage or outbuildings are also protected from thieves?
It’s a well-known fact that power tools and hand tools are high on the list of a thief, but what about your gardening equipment? The rusty but trusty lawnmower housed in the shed can be revamped and sold at some household goods auctions where no questions are asked. Shovels, spades, hoes and trowels can be worth something to someone, even second hand. Barbeques, patio furniture, ornate garden urns, pots and garden plants can fetch high resale costs when they’re stolen.
A new study shows that one in four1 garage owners and 16%2 of shed owners have experienced a break in to their shed. Between 2019 and 2020 over £1,0003 worth of items was stolen in 20%4 of thefts from outbuildings, garages and sheds. Interestingly, garden equipment comes a close second to tools and work materials, with stolen tools as a result of burglaries calculated at 39%,5 garden furniture at 31%6 and miscellaneous items along with bicycle and bicycle parts at 12%.7
Make sure your outdoor items are secured by taking the following steps:
It’s good practice to double check with your insurer as to whether your outbuildings and their contents (including sheds and garages) will fall under your existing buildings and contents insurance. Most home insurance will cover them but for peace of mind while you’re away from home, call us to confirm that you are protected.
1-7. https://www.comparethemarket.com/home-insurance/content/garage-and-shed-burglaries/
Existing clients: heritageclientsupport@lloydwhyte.com
Email us: listed@lloydwhyte.com
Existing clients: heritageclientsupport@lloydwhyte.com
Email us: thatch@lloydwhyte.com