M&S Money Survey Shows Householders Gardens At Risk
M&S Money reminds householders to check their gardens are covered by household insurance to prevent thieves and vandals ruining their garden

CHESTER, ENGLAND, April 10, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- M&S Money survey finds two-thirds of householders have failed to check if their plants, bushes, trees and shrubs are covered by insurance, despite the fact that the average garden contains GBP721 worth of greenery.

As householders head into the garden this spring, the survey from home insurance provider M&S Money reveals that many people have been targeted by green-fingered criminals.

The M&S Home Insurance survey found that 17% of people with a garden know someone who has had plants, bushes, trees or shrubs stolen from their garden. The problem is particularly serious in northern England, where almost a quarter (24%) of adults with a garden knows someone who has had greenery stolen.

Plants are also a favourite target of vandals - 10% of people have had plants, bushes, trees or shrubs in their garden maliciously damaged. Gardens in Wales are most likely to be targeted by vandals, with 17% of Welsh respondents reporting they have had plants damaged.

Despite the apparent extent of the problem, 67% of people have not checked whether their plants are covered by home insurance.

Judith Roberts, M&S Insurance Manager, said: "Householders often spend thousands of pounds securing their home to protect their family and property. However, despite the huge amount of time and money invested in many gardens, security levels are often very poor, making them an attractive target for thieves and vandals.

"Householders can take simple steps to reduce the risk of becoming a garden crime victim. It is also wise to check whether your home insurance policy provides cover for property in the garden."

The M&S home insurance policy covers for loss or damage to plants, bushes, shrubs and trees in the garden.

Notes to Editors
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1971 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 18th - 20th March 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

Press Release Contact Information:

Liz Neild
Marks & Spencer Money
PR Manager
Kings Meadow
Chester, Cheshire
UK CH99 9FB
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