Hoovers, hamsters and freezers - but no cars in garages

They are designed to protect the most prized family possession, but the average garage is now more likely to contain £500-worth of junk rather than a top-of-the-range BMW.

They are designed to protect the most prized family possession, but the average garage is now more likely to contain £500-worth of junk rather than a top-of-the-range BMW.

A study published today reveals that 60 per cent of households in Britain prefer to store redundant Hoovers and the children's pet hamster in their precious garage space, leaving the car neglected on the road or driveway.

Unused household items such as vacuum cleaners, sofas and clothes hold pride of place, according to the NOP survey.

Garden equipment follows closely behind, along with tools, freezers, discarded gym equipment, dustbins or bags of rubbish and bicycles. Even animal cages complete with furry occupants are thought more deserving than the family motor.

The RAC Foundation, which commissioned the poll, advised people to get rid of their unwanted junk at a car boot sale or a charity shop - or even invest in a shed.

They warned that there has been a spate of thefts recently of high-value vehicles from affluent suburbs across the country. For example, 38 exclusive cars were stolen from driveways in Berkshire during July this year.

Thieves are now breaking into homes to steal the keys of cars which can then easily be driven away if they are not locked into a garage at night.

"The car is probably the biggest investment after the home that most households make, and it makes sense to protect that investment rather than some leftover wallpaper," said Edmund King of the RAC Foundation

"Increased security on newer cars means that older vehicles left outside are sometimes taken by opportunist thieves - locking the car away removes both temptation and opportunity."