Warning over garden furniture from home insurance provider

Britons could be putting their garden furniture and equipment at risk by not being security conscious, a leading home insurance provider has warned.

The summer heatwave has caused a boost in spending on expensive garden items, claims Co-operative Insurance Society.

Equipment such as lawnmowers, rotavators and power washers are all targets for burglars, while decorative objects such as statues, pots and urns could also be taken if left unguarded, the home insurance provider has warned.

The company also warns that UK gardeners could be invalidating their home insurance policy by not paying due care and attention, such as leaving items unattended while going inside.

David Newman, director of marketing at Co-operative Insurance, commented: Garden valuables can be protected through your home insurance, but it is important to pay special attention to your policy and check exactly what is covered.

Given the amount of time and money we now spend looking after our gardens, it should only be expected that we devote the same care and attention to the outside as well as the inside of our homes.

Recent research from insurers RIAS stated that over 18,000 incidents of theft involving garden items occur each year.