Consumers warned to secure their sheds over the summer

Packing the suitcase, shopping for sunscreen and organising the cattery – it’s easy to forget that your home also needs a bit of attention before you head off on your holidays.

And analysis of ten-years of data from Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, shows that it’s your sheds and gardens that need particular attention.

Thefts from outside the home start to increase as the evenings get lighter in March and steadily rise until their peak in July and August when they are almost 60% higher than the dark days of January.

Jonathan Cracknell, Household Underwriter, Aviva, said:

“Most homeowners are pretty savvy when it comes to securing their main home while they are away, but it’s easy to forget that garden tools, expensive children’s toys, bikes and lawnmowers all make rich pickings for opportunist thieves too, so make sure they are also locked away and out of sight before you head to the airport.

“Of course the key with any security while you are on holiday is to not to advertise that your home is empty, so don’t leave wheelie bins out, leave a car in the drive if you can and have some lights on timers to come on in the evenings and early mornings.

“We also see a rise in household leaks in the summer months, more frequent use of showers, baths and air conditioning units all put pressure on potential problem pipes, so having a neighbour check on your home every now and then will help it stay secure and dry!”