Last week, homeowners were advised to pull up their wellingtons and step up on their garden security measures to ensure they do not suffer from garden thefts.

Now spring has sprung, many home insurance customers are more likely to spend time in their gardens, which means they are also more likely to start using and leaving expensive equipment behind them.

A recent survey revealed that 93% of homeowners commonly leave garden equipment such as jet washers, children’s toys and garden tools in the garden overnight.

Therefore, a home insurance firm has urged homeowners to purchase the correct insurance as thieves have begun targeting gardens as well as properties.

Mike Pickard advised: “Taking a few simple steps can reduce the chances of becoming a victim of garden crime - such as the use of security lighting or prickly hedging as deterrents.”

The crime warning comes at a time when a survey revealed that Preston was the safest region against burglary, whereas London took the top spot for most home thefts.