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What's in your shed? Print

Equity Insurance Brokers is warning homeowners to be extra vigilant, following a national rise in thefts from sheds and outbuildings.

A British Crime Survey has revealed there are around 500 reported thefts from sheds and outbuildings every day with a loss of more than £10m of garden equipment and tools.

EIB managing director, Nick Potts says sheds are common targets in which valuable items such as lawnmowers, tools, furniture, bikes, sports equipment and even computers are stored.

"The rise of thefts from outbuildings is highlighting underinsurance and causing problems for policyholders. An Englishman's home may be his castle but his shed is fast becoming a treasure chest for thieves," he adds.

In 2006 there were 733,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales with around two in every 100 homes being burgled.

Increased consumer spending is thought to be fuelling the rise in thefts from sheds. According to market analysts, Mintel, UK homeowners spend in the region of £500m a year on garden furniture and barbeques alone.

"Crime figures show that reported domestic burglaries are still high and there is little doubt thefts from sheds is a contributing factor. In fact," continues Potts, "once a person has suffered a theft loss, they're four times more likely to experience another theft in the next year."

Equity Insurance Brokers is offering security tips to help homeowners protect property stored in sheds from thieves:

  • security mark property clearly with postcodes
  • secure small items to heavier equipment or permanent fixtures such as a ground anchor
  • Fit quality locks to doors but always take into account the construction of the outbuilding - there's little point in fitting a high quality padlock to a rickety old shed
  • Protect windows with grilles or bars
  • Fit a basic alarm system or consider extending the coverage of alarms in the main house
  • Keep doors and windows locked and ensure hinges are secure
 
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