Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Clocks Springing Forward Sees Rise in Garden Thefts Warns Swinton

With the clocks set to go forward next week Swinton Insurance is warning homeowners to ensure their garden furniture is securely locked away at night.

Swinton, the UK's leading high street retailer of contents insurance issued a warning after a survey of 1,200 homeowners revealed that 23% had been a victim of garden theft in the spring months.
As the evenings get lighter and summer approaches, many homeowners dust off their garden furniture and take it out of the shed. However, Swinton is reminding homeowners to lock away their garden furniture at night to avoid being a victim of garden theft.
As the evenings get warmer there is also the danger of leaving windows open, giving opportunistic thieves the perfect chance to sneak into homes. The survey revealed that an unlucky 17% of homeowners had been a victim of this type of crime in the past.
Steve Chelton, Insurance Development Manager at Swinton said, "Homeowners need to be vigilant about locking their garden furniture away during the night to avoid garden theft. Investing in some additional security like quality locks on doors and windows, will ensure homes can be left secured. It is also a good idea to check your home insurance policy to ensure you furniture is covered to avoid any costly home insurance claims in the event of being a victim of this type of crime."
Swinton is offering some top tips to avoid theft over the summer months:

Do not leave windows and doors open if your property is empty

Do not leave valuables on show near an open window

Invest in quality locks on doors and windows

If you are going on holiday ask a neighbour or family members to keep an eye on your property

Check all sheds, garages windows and doors and locked at night

(Reproduced from Marketwire 21st March 2011)
 
Gardien Tip:  The problem is likely to be exacerbated this year with reductions in community policing taking effect. All the more reason to take some preventive action - see the solutions available at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/

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