Gardens a goldmine for green grabbers

With gardening spectaculars such as The Chelsea Flower Show about to bloom, it is anticipated such displays will entice green fingered enthusiasts into their gardens.

However, Confused.com encourages the budding Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh to know the value their garden contents have, and ensure adequate insurance is in place.

Gardens across the UK can now be filled with valuable items such as top of the range barbeques and expensive patio furniture. With the country hoping for a nice summer, many homeowners will be emptying the shed (or garage) of such items in readiness to enjoy al fresco free time. With many of these items often left out, the comparison website urges people to follow a few helpful tips which could prevent you from becoming a victim of the green fingered thief.

One element of protection against such a crime is purchasing comprehensive home insurance which will financially compensate the unfortunate who are affected. Darren Black, Head of Home Insurance at Confused.com said: "there is no real standard approach to how insurers treat garden cover so the key message for the consumer is to shop around and always read the policy documents before you decide to buy. If you are the owner of expensive garden furniture and plants, take time in checking the small print. Make sure the policy you have offers the cover you need, for all elements of your belongings - inside and out of the home."

Confused.com offers the following advice which could deter any would-be garden grabber:

All items of value should be kept out of sight and locked away. Desirable items to thieves could include lawnmowers, bicycles and BBQ's

Ultraviolet pens are available which will allow you to mark expensive items with your postcode. This will make stolen items easily recognisable if recovered by the Police

Security sensor lighting around your home will deter thieves

High prickly hedges (such as hawthorn) are deterrent for a thief who has to climb them to gain access to your garden

Become a member of the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. If thieves can see your home is in an area that is watched by neighbours, they will move on to an area that is not where the likelihood of being disturbed is reduced

Black concluded: "While some insurers include garden cover as standard, others offer it as an add on. As we all hope for a hot summer, make sure that shade from the sun is not the only protection you have."