Garden shed owners advised to keep them secure

As the days get longer and people are able to enjoy their gardens in the evening, police are advising that garden security is improved, starting with garden sheds.

Speaking to On The Beat, one policeman said: "Make sure you guard against thieves forcing open your garden shed, garages and lock-ups to steal your valuable tools and patio furniture," the Paisley Daily Express reports.

Halifax home insurance released a study at the end of March which showed that theft from gardens increased last summer by 58 per cent.

In order to avoid your garden shed becoming a thief's supermarket, it is worth considering the insurance company's advice to making your garden more secure.

The organisation suggests putting bricks or stones in the bottom of patio tubs to make them more difficult to carry.

Moreover, it recommends marking patio furniture and ornaments with your postcode, as well as keeping photos of the garden

Most importantly, people are being advised to ensure that their garden shed remains safely locked up at all times when not in use, as thieves target the expensive tools and equipment that many people keep in there.