Garden thefts occur 'every eight minutes'

Police figures suggest criminals strike more during warmer months

Garden ornaments were among the more commonly stolen items (AFP/Getty Images)

Garden items ranging from power tools to turf are stolen in the UK approximately every eight minutes, police figures suggest.

Figures compiled from 38 police forces suggest there were more than 60,000 thefts from gardens last year, the study based on freedom of information requests found.

Bicycles and power tools are the most commonly stolen items, as well as garden furniture, ornaments and plants.

But more obscure thefts reported last year included a window, turf, fireworks, gold bullion and a headstone.

Security equipment, padlocks and other anti-theft items were also reported as stolen.

The highest number of thefts took place in May and June, with culprits apparently taking advantage of the longer hours of daylight after the clocks go back at the end of March.

LV= home insurance managing director Selwyn Fernandes said: "As the weather warms up Brits spend more time in their gardens and often leave property in the garden that might usually be locked up.

"These figures from the police serve as a timely reminder to homeowners to check that they have a home insurance policy that covers their garden and belongings left outside, just in case."

LV= issued a freedom of information request to all 45 UK police forces in March, with 38 responding by the point of compilation.

Press Association