Ultimate Guide to Garden Furniture and Plants Security

You may be surprised due to it usually being heavy and bulky, but patio furniture theft is on the rise. Garden furniture is targeted by thieves as it is often left unsecured outside in gardens which makes it very easy to take for opportunistic thieves. 27% of people admit to leaving valuables outside in their garden across the summer months, meaning criminals can target gardens and leave with a tidy score.

Commonly Stolen Garden Items

1. Garden Decorations
2. Electric tools
3. Lawnmowers
4. Barbecues
5. Ladders
6. Garden Furniture
7. Bicycles
8. Plants

How To Secure Garden Furniture

There are a number of ways to secure garden furniture, such as by installing ground anchors to keep it anchored to the ground and making sure the furniture is securely fastened and immovably fixed using powerful bolts and screws. Installing wireless outdoor security cameras is another option to ensure the safety of your garden furniture and provide round-the-clock surveillance. We explore several additional methods for securing garden furniture in this list.

1. Garden Storage

Investing in secure outdoor storage for gardening tools is better than leaving it out on show. If a burglar cannot see the items outside in your garden, then there is a higher chance that your valuable will remain safe. As said above most burglaries are opportunistic, out of sight, out of mind.

That being said if you were to suffer a planned burglary you will need to put some measures in place to ensure your garden is protected. It is vital that your shed is in good condition so that a thief cannot gain access easily. It’s also essential garden tools are not left outside because not only could they be stolen but they could be used to force entry into your shed or even your house. Take a look below on ways you can improve on your shed security:

• Replace any rotten wood and check around the windows and door frames to ensure there are no weak points.
• Add more secure locks, including window security locks
• Install a Shed Alarm.
• Set up motion detecting security lights.

Check out our Garden Shed Security Guide for more in-depth tips and tricks!

2. Ground Anchors

If you have no space to store your garden furniture in the shed or don’t want to have to keep moving it around when the sun is out a great alternative option is to invest in some ground anchors. Ground anchors enable you to fix your garden furniture to the ground, putting off any potential thief. They are perfect for any large equipment but for most secure results they may need professional installation

3. Outdoor Security Lights

Security lighting is a good idea to secure your outside furniture. No burglar wants to be caught in the act so garden security lighting will help to put them off before they are even near your valuable possessions. Outdoor Security lighting will also alert you to movement in the garden from the bright light and leave burglars with less room to hide in the shadows.

The majority of security lighting can be programmed to control how receptive they are to movement, preventing it from activating each time a cat passes by the sensors. It’s more efficient to set up these lights so that they turn on only when they notice a lot of movement, not only because constant light is expensive and can be annoying but a light turning on would startle them and alert you to something moving outside.

4. Outdoor Security Cameras

Motion garden Security cameras are one of the most effective forms of burglar deterrents and can help to protect your garden furniture. We suggest installing outdoor security cameras that has a wide view of your garden and is pointed towards your garden furniture. Interested in security cameras? Read our Ultimate Guide to Indoor Security Cameras.

5. Mark your Furniture

Marking your garden furniture with your postcode will make it harder for burglars to sell on should they manage to steal it and makes it three times more likely of being returned if stolen. Visibly marking it drastically decreases the value and makes it more easily identifiable to police officers. Try marking the underside of your furniture with a UV marker, stickers or etching into the furniture itself. Painting a pattern on your garden tools is also effective deterrent as it decreases the sell on value and makes them easily recognisable if reported missing.

6. Garden Perimeter Security

The perimeter of your home is the first obstacle burglars come across so it is important that it is secure. If a burglar cannot see or easily gain access to your garden that will be a major put off as chances, are they will not be able to get your garden furniture back out.

Ensure your gates, fences and walls are in good condition. Look out weak points such as signs of rot or loose bricks that could mean your perimeter may be easily kicked down. Read our Ultimate Guide to Fence Security to ensure you have the best fence security!

Low walls will of course mean easier access so build your fences high. In general, rear garden fences can be up to 2 meters high which is plenty high enough to deter burglars whilst remaining within the law. If you are going to alter your house boundaries it is worth consulting planning permission to ensure your time and money won’t go to waste if it doesn’t comply with regulations.

7. Take out Insurance

Take a look at your home insurance policy to see if it extends to your valuable garden furniture. Most standard home insurance policies cover some of your garden items but the amount of cover can vary dramatically. Talk to your home insurance provider if it does not provide enough cover for your garden valuables so you can rest easy in knowing you’re covered should the worst happen. Insurance is a definite necessity if you have a garden office, greenhouse, or summerhouse.

Whilst any of our garden security tips are good measures to consider for protecting your garden furniture from theft, some types of outdoor furniture can have more specific way to prevent theft and ensure security!

How To Secure Rattan Garden Furniture

You can secure rattan garden furniture by taking a bungee cord or bit of rope and tie it to a strong tree or pole, likewise you can always look to use sandbags or weights!

Weighing Down Rattan Furniture

An effective way to prevent any rattan garden furniture pieces from being stolen would be to use sandbags or weights, which is an easy and affordable option. Tying heavy sandbags to the legs of your rattan garden furniture adds extra weight to them, making it more of a struggle for a burglar to carry them off. Any would be burglar would also need to spend added time trying to untie the sandbags and weights from the legs of the furniture.

The popularity of rattan garden furniture is increasing, making them one of the trendiest garden décor pieces thanks to how stylish and modern looking they are. Due to their popularity, there is a chance burglars will want to steal them and sell them for a larger profit due to their current high demand.

Plant Security

Believe it or not, plants are known to have gone stolen. Especially if you are green fingered and have a garden that rivals the Chelsea flower show! Take a look below on how as a green fingered gardener you can admire your plants without the worry of green with envy burglars and high security!

1. Heavy plant pots

Big, heavy planters are of course very difficult to move so it may deter a chance garden burglar. Secure the planter with a chain or bolt it to the floor so even if they dig up your plant, they won’t be able to take your expensive planter too.

2. Don’t display your prize flowers

It’s best to leave your rare plants and flowers for the back garden where you can enjoy them without the worry of thieves taking a snip. Even better security is to only plant small shrub like plants and flowers at the front so that no one is tempted to take a snip to create flower arrangements in their homes.

3. Harvest fruit and veg

Juicy fruits and ripe vegetables may be very tempting for passers-by to pick. Frequently harvest your fruit and veg so that all your hard work does not benefit thieves’ sticky fingers!

4. Secure Long Stems

Secure long stems with chains or cable ties to something solid such as a tree branch or part of your fence. It won’t deter burglars if they have brought cutters with them, but it may help deter a passer-by.

5. Securing Garden Ornaments

Thieves tend to take these so they can sell them, however if you mark the ornament with your postcode on its going to lower the value and deter thieves from stealing them.

6. Secure your Garden Gate

If you have access to the back garden without having to go through the house ensure your garden gate is up to scratch. Look out for signs of rotting and put a secure lock on it. 22% of burglaries come from the back door so having a strong back gate will help prevent them from reaching the back door.

Need some extra tips to secure your back gate, check out our garden gate security page!

Which Plants Are Stolen the Most?

Here are some of the most common types of plants that plant thieves normally go for, so you know which plants to stay clear of, or which ones need that extra bit of protection:

Agave Plants

Agave plants have become a popular target for garden thieves because tequila is made from them!

Bonsai Plants

Bonsai trees are known for being cute plants, which is why a thief is likely to steal them due to how quickly they sell for this very reason

Orchids

Orchids account for 10% of global demand for fresh cut flowers, and are also symbols of nations in Singapore, Myanmar, and Colombia

Our Top Garden Security Tips

1. Keep fences and walls low in front gardens to not allows thieves anywhere to hide
2. Consider gravel paths or driveways so that it is hard for an intruder to approach quietlyInstall automatic security lighting
3. Mark your property (garden tools, potted plants, lawn mowers) with your postcode or unique patterns
4. Make sure outdoor valuables are included within your home security
5. Grow thorny plants up your trellis fencing, this makes it more difficult for burglars to access your property.
6. Beware of repeat burglars, do something about if to prevent it happening again.
7. Have a security camera covering the whole of your garden.
8. Regular maintenance of your garden perimeter.
9. LOCK UP EVERYTHING IN A GARAGE OR SHED!

To upgrade your garden gate locks, garage locks or any other locks in and around your house call Keytek® today! We are the largest local Locksmith community with local Locksmiths in your area. We offer competitive prices and assist you with your home security from start to finish. Take a look at what else we can offer you by reading through our website and pick up some great security tips in the Keytek® blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I protect my garden furniture from theft?

The best way to protect your garden furniture is to place them in a shed rather than leaving them out in sight.

Do garden plants get stolen?

Yes, garden plants, even the inexpensive ones get stolen by thieves to sell them at outdoor markets.

How do I secure my garden plants from theft?

The best way to secure your garden plants from theft is to place them in heavy pots that will not be easily moved.