Over-50s warned over garden security

Older people must ensure they lock up their garden sheds securely over the winter months and take precautions to protect their gardens from thieves.

New research by Saga Home Insurance shows that 14 per cent of sheds and garages are left unlocked, while one in four donīt bother putting away expensive equipment in their sheds over the winter months.

Anyone who is concerned about security in their area could benefit from investing in one of Asgardīs secure metal sheds, which are clad in 1.2mm thick, hot-dipped galvanised steel.

The average value of items in Britainīs gardens is Ģ783 and the typical claim for garden thefts is Ģ378, Sagaīs research showed.

However, older people tend to invest more in their green spaces and the average value of garden contents is Ģ903 for those over 50 years of age, a factor that could make a metal shed seem more attractive.

In order to make gardens secure, people are being encouraged to store equipment away and buy locks for their sheds.

Andrew Goodsell, chairman of Saga Group said: "Many of us could face hefty bills to replace items neglected during the harsher months, or stolen from insecure sheds."

Earlier this month, police in Gloucestershire recommended security measures including installing metal grilles, locks and alarms on sheds.

Find out more information about garden sheds.
  Written by Robin Antill+ Started making garden sheds in 1979. so 31 years experience. Online since 1996. 1st in UK.