Lock up your shed

As the evenings grow longer and the spring bank holidays approach, people's thoughts turn to spending more time in the garden, Barclays is reminding householders to check that their garden sheds are secure and its contents insured.

The value of things in a garden shed - power tools, lawn mower, garden furniture - can run into thousands of pounds.

Barclays has developed a useful checklist to help householders estimate the value of the items in their garden shed that may be a popular target for garden thieves:

Garden item - Replacement cost - Risk of theft

Petrol rotary mower £350 High
Power tools (e.g. strimmer, drill, hedge-cutter) £300 High
Bicycles for family of four £500 High
Gas barbecue £200 Medium
Garden tools (e.g. shears, shovel, garden fork ) £50 Medium
Garden table and chairs £350 Low
 
TOTAL - £1,750

Shane Leivers, Barclays Head of Home, Motor & Travel Insurance comments: "As householders are placing more emphasis on their gardens many of them don't realise that replacing the contents of their garden shed can cost as much as replacing electrical items in home, such as computers, I-Phone and televisions. They should be extra vigilant to make sure that they lock any high risk garden items away in a secure place such as a garage, as thefts are a particular problem in spring and summer."

Home Insurance from Barclays automatically covers the contents of secured outbuildings up to the value of £3,000 and garden furniture items left out in the open up to £500 in respect of any one claim. Bicycles are also covered for loss or damage, from either the home or shed, up to £2,500.

Customers can obtain information on Barclays Insurance by calling 0800 068 8097. (Lines are open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Saturdays, 10am to 4pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.)