It also strongly advises gardeners to make sure their garden equipment is covered by a home insurance policy protecting the possessions and contents of both house and garden.

BUDGET has a few other tips for gardeners:

. Lock gardening equipment away, inside a shed, using very strong locks and padlocks.

. Secure back or side doors when you're in the garden. Two out of every 10 burglaries are carried out without force. Passing thieves will be in and out of the door in no time. They will be looking for handbags and wallets left near the door, so keep them well out of view.

. Encourage the children not to leave their bikes on the front lawn or drive.

. If you are outside cleaning the car, don't leave your keys in the ignition. Opportunist thieves will take the keys, and then come back at night to steal the car or enter your property.

. Never leave power tools, hedge trimmers or lawn mowers unattended, even if you're only popping into the house for a minute.

. Screen any windows in

. Mark valuable equipment with ultraviolet markings.

. Install security lights and alarms, where needed, as a deterrent.

. Photograph any very valuable gardening items, so that, if stolen, the Police can identify them.

. Place heavy weights under the soil in garden pots. This makes them difficult to move.

. Use gravel on paths. This allows you to hear intruders' footsteps and slows down wheelbarrows used to wheel items away.

. Use thorny plants, such berberis, holly and blackthorn, to protect any entry areas into your garden. Roses placed under windows are also a deterrent.

Above all, Budget Home Insurance reminds gardeners not to leave house windows and doors open whilst they are about their garden chores, and not to leave keys under obvious hiding places such as pots and stones.

Gardeners should also take care not to leave tools lying around outside the home, as these can be used to force entry into the house itself.