Thieves look to profit from UK's garden obsession
The UK's passion for gardening has created a market for professional thieves as Brits spend more time and money on their gardens than ever before.
Churchill insurance estimates that British homeowners lose almost £300 million per year in garden thefts.
Exotic plants, fish, water features and even lawns have been targeted and thefts are set to rise with conservatories becoming extensions of our gardens and the value of garden contents rising.
Lucy Hall of Gardeners' World Magazine said: "For most homeowners, conservatories are no longer just places for a few plants and some wicker furniture, but are becoming modern, multi-purpose extra rooms, centred around a living-dining area, that’s as much a part of the garden as the house"
Insurance companies are advising homeowners to check their home and contents policies to ensure they are covered.
May 22nd 2008