With Britain currently in the midst of a mini heat wave, it is likely that significant numbers of homeowners will be looking to spend more time in their gardens as they enjoy the sun and warm weather. And although the temperatures may be rising, consumers have been advised to make sure they do not make themselves an open target to crime.

Research carried out by esure Home Insurance has revealed that many people are looking to take advantage of the pleasant weather and carry out improvements to their green space. The financial services provider indicated that some 11 per cent of homeowners are set to spend at least 500 pounds on their gardens over the course of this year. And a significant number of consumers are already placing a high amount of value on their garden, with 14 per cent of homeowners stating their shed contains goods worth more than 1,500 pounds.

For those looking for an effective way in which to finance renovating their gardens, taking out a home improvement loan may be recommended.

However it appears that many Britons could be exposing themselves unnecessarily to theft with 93 per cent of respondents reporting that they often leave items - such as tools, children’s toys and jet washers - in their garden overnight. Furthermore, just over two-thirds of respondents have not thought about improving the safety of their gardens. Meanwhile, one in ten people have considered taking such action but are yet to do anything about it. And although 69 per cent of Brits are said to own a shed, just under one in ten of such consumers state that they never bother locking it. Overall, some 650,000 homes across Britain have been a victim of garden theft during the last 12 months.

Should consumers lack a sufficient insurance policy - or not have cover altogether - they may find that they are required to dip into their own pockets to repair criminal damage to their garden. In turn this may have an impact on their capacity to manage other spending commitments, such as personal loan repayments, credit and store cards, utility bills and council tax costs.

Findings from the firm also showed that those living in Wales are most susceptible to garden thefts. Some five per cent of people from this part of the country have had an item stolen from their garden during the past 12 months. Meanwhile, homeowners in the south-east of England might find themselves under particular financial pressure should their sheds be struck by criminals, as consumers there keep items worth a total of 577 pounds kept in such outbuildings.

Commenting on the figures, Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting for esure Home Insurance, said: “The trend towards converting useful storage space into valuable living space and the nation’s obsession with hoarding clutter is putting pressure on garden storage and may cause a surge in garden theft as belongings are left unsecured and vulnerable. Even household items are now being stored outdoors, blurring the distinction between home contents and outbuilding and garden contents. Homeowners should check the limits of their insurance policies because some are relatively low and in the event of an outdoor theft not everything may be covered if your shed is bulging with valuables.”

Budding Alan Titchmarshes looking to revamp their garden this summer might wish to take out a homeowner loan to fund such work. In doing so, borrowers may find that they are able to buy new plants, flowers and garden furniture quickly and effectively. The financial assistance a loan brings could also help consumers to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy in addition to assisting with the installation of locks, sensor lights and other security features. A loan might also be of assistance to consumers wishing to purchase a car, in addition to comprehensive cover for the vehicle. In April, a study by AA Personal Loans revealed that about three-quarters of drivers state their vehicle has been deliberately damaged by vandals, with the north of England shown to be the biggest target of car crime.

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