Beware garden thieves this summer

Gardeners have been warned to take care to protect any valuable garden equipment from green-fingered thieves.

The warning comes ahead of the official start of British summertime this Sunday (March 29th) when the clocks are set forward one hour.

Halifax Home Insurance pointed out that its figures show garden theft increased by 63 per cent during the summer months last year and London was the number one hotspot for the crime in the UK.

Thieves were happy to make off with furniture, tools, barbeques and garden ornaments among other things.

The insurance firm suggested locking valuables somewhere difficult to get to like in a greenhouse or shed.

Putting bricks at the bottom of patio tubs will also make life harder for the criminals – something senior claims manager Martyn Foulds recommends.

"It is important for homeowners to bear in mind the value of items outside the home as well as inside, as the collective cost of patio furniture, barbecues and childrens play equipment can soon add up," he said.

Mr Foulds also suggested gardeners ensure that their outdoor space is covered by their home insurance policy.

Meanwhile, the Royal Horticultural Society recently reported that Top Gear presenter James May is to create a garden for this years Chelsea Flower Show.