The Nationwide carried out a poll revealing that up to 35% of people value their gardening equipment from £250 to £1000.

Robin Bailey, insurance director at Nationwide, said: “The high value of such goods means that it is imperative that home-owners make sure that their home insurance policy provides sufficient cover in the event of theft or damage.”

Nationwide report that their policy covers for up to £1000 for garden items and the most usual claims are for garden ornaments and furniture.

Mr Bailey added: “Items such as lawnmowers and garden furniture will be dusted off and may be left out in the open for long periods of time, resulting in easy pickings for opportunistic thieves and vandals.”