Homeowners 'should be aware' of garden theft dangers

21-Mar-2007

UK-based homeowners - which may include recent first time buyers - should ensure they are protected against garden thieves, new claims suggest.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, in 2006, insurance claims relating to garden theft tripled between the months of March and August, with each claim - on average - reaching nearly £400, which may interest would-be first time buyers looking for a garden-equipped property.

"Homeowners can forget to pay as much attention to security outside the house as they do inside," said Vicky Emmott, senior manager of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance.

"With many people realising how much value they can add to their property by improving their gardens, there are now rich pickings for thieves," she added.

To prevent theft, Halifax recommends the implementation of a number of pre-emptive measures, including making use of barriers such as high walls or spiked fences.

Halifax is a member of the HBOS group, which also includes Bank of Scotland.

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