Homeowners urged to keep sheds locked

Property owners need to keep their sheds locked, because the average value of the goods contained within them has increased.

Around £1,000 worth of contents is contained in sheds, according to a new survey from Marks and Spencer (M&S) Money, up £100 from last year's research.

Although householders keep expensive items such as bicycles and lawnmowers in their sheds, almost a fifth of people forget to lock it to keep the contents safe, the poll found.

"We would urge householders to check whether their home insurance policy provides adequate cover for theft from a shed," commented Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance.

Shed owners are therefore advised to lock the doors and windows, as well as hiding valuable items from view, for instance by fitting a blind.

Earlier this year, shed blogger Uncle Wilco - whose real name is Andrew Wilcox - said sheds could be used as a hangout space instead of just a storage area.

Posted by John Brown

Date : 20/07/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news