Home insurance - Tips & Advice - Home security
To you, your shed may simply be somewhere to keep your gardening tools but for a would-be burglar it’s a veritable Aladdin’s cave. Lawnmowers, power washers, hedge-trimmers and strimmers can all fetch a tidy sum on the stolen goods market.
Typically, the thefts are carried out by gangs who drive around in vans looking for easy targets, namely sheds, garages and outbuildings that aren’t secured properly. Then they simply break in, load up the goods and go, without arousing suspicion – neighbours often think they’re gardeners.
What's covered?
If you are unlucky enough to be a victim of such a crime, Buildings Insurance normally covers the structure of the shed or garage itself, while Contents Insurance covers what’s inside. It’s an idea to confirm with your insurer exactly what’s included in your policy now, rather than when you have to make a claim, especially as there are often different conditions for items which are on your property but not in the house itself.
Gardening equipment doesn’t come cheap, with higher end lawnmowers costing around £500 or more, so be sure to check the single item limit of your policy – you may need to pay an extra premium to cover more expensive equipment. Also remember to check the excess, as this may differ from possessions that are inside the home.
Security tips
The best way to deter burglars in the first place is to secure the area around your property including outbuildings, garages and sheds. Keep everything locked at all times or else it could invalidate any claim you may have to make. The good news is that there are lots of ways you can protect your property. If you don’t already have one in your area, set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. That way, the people in your street will all be on the lookout for any suspicious characters.
Be security savvy. After you’ve finished doing the gardening, lock all your tools in the shed or garage. Don’t leave them lying around otherwise they could attract the attention of opportunist burglars or give professional ones the tools with which to carry out their job.
Secure your outbuildings properly. Fix a strong padlock on sheds or outbuildings (with the screws hidden so they can’t be unscrewed) and fit a quality lock on your garage door. Shed windows are notoriously easy to break and need added protection – installing wire mesh or bars on the inside should provide the extra reinforcement needed. If you have a burglar alarm system, extend its reach to cover all your outbuildings, or fit a shed alarm – they’re available at most DIY stores.
Natural protection
Check your boundaries for weak points. You don’t necessarily have to put up big iron gates or fences, as nature can provide the answer. Prickly plants such as blackthorn, hawthorn and holly all provide a powerful deterrent. Another way to put off would-be burglars is to expose them as they try to sneak on to your premises – security lights and gravel paths will make it very hard for them to go undetected. If they encounter such obstacles, they’re more likely to move on to the next house or neighbourhood.
Even if burglars manage to get their hands on your gardening equipment, there’s one more line of defence – security marking or painting your postcode and house number on all your expensive items. Not only will this make it easier for police to trace it but the thief will find it extremely difficult to sell on. With any luck, this could convince them to give up on stealing from you altogether.
For peace of mind for outbuildings and their contents, go to Direct Line for an online quote today.
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