Movement-sensing lights 'can make garden sheds more secure'

15:11:20 2nd November 2010

Lights that sense movement can help people to keep the belongings stored in their garden sheds safe, an insurance expert has suggested.

Malcolm Tarling, a spokesman for the Association of British Insurers (ABI), also advised people to add gravel footpaths or driveways to their properties, as these will make a noise if and when someone approaches.

"Good quality door locks and making sure you lock the door even if you are just popping out for a second are also important, and common sense," he added.

Mr Tarling's comments follow the recent publication of research by Santander, which found that one in four people feel more at risk of personal injury or burglary after the clocks go back.

The research also found that 58 per cent of people are in opposition to daylight saving time.

As there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter, Mr Tarling advised people to leave lights switched on when they leave the house when it is dark so that their homes appear occupied to would-be thieves.