Increase in UK garden furniture theft, warns Altons Garden Centre
Essex (PRWEB UK) 7 August 2013 -- The great British summertime has resulted in many taking advantage of the weather; including hosting BBQs, planting exotic flowers – as well as stealing expensive garden furniture.
Due to the extended hours of sunshine and tropical temperatures, more people are spending their time outdoors - whether it’s topping up their tan or tending to the garden. But unfortunately, by bringing out their best garden wares, has resulted in thieves trying their luck and stealing items such as garden benches and lawnmowers.
One region in particular has fallen victim to such a crime. Devon and Cornwall Police statistics reported 837 thefts in Cornwall back in 2012 – with garden furnishings reported missing from sheds, outbuildings and outside homes.
Force crime reduction advisor for Devon and Cornwall Police, Bob Bunney, advised: “The long summer evenings mean the goods in your garden are more visible to thieves, so try to avoid advertising what you’ve got.
“Clear your garden every evening, make sure all sheds and garages are properly locked and secure, and either move patio furniture and expensive barbecues into a shed or use chains and padlocks.”
Statistics provided by the Home Office indicate that thefts from British gardens are on the up, with thieves setting their sights on approximately 5,000 gardens each week.
James Oxley of Altons Garden Centre said: “Many people keep expensive items – often worth thousands of pounds - stored in sheds and outhouses. But as they tend to be sporadically used, homeowners tend to forget to lock up their equipment – leaving them vulnerable to thieves.
“This allows criminals to benefit from such neglect, and use the opportunity to seek out gardens with less than ample storage. All it takes is enforcing the proper safety measures such as securing your sheds with a decent padlock, and by deterring wannabe criminals reduces your chances of being burgled.”
Keep garden equipment away from prying eyes by locking up all garden tools, and tag garden furniture so it can be traced. For effective garden furniture storage, visit Altons Garden Centre today.
James Oxley, Altons Garden Centre, http://www.alton-gardencentre.co.uk/, 01268 726 421, [email protected]
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