Over-50s 'more likely to invest in garden gates'

22/10/2009

People over 50 are top of the pile when it comes to outdoor security such as locking garden gates and sheds, according to research by Saga Insurance.

Some 68 per cent of over-50s, or 14.3 million people, say they derive a great deal of pleasure from their gardens, with tending to flowers and growing vegetables emerging as some of the favourite retirement activities.

Understandably, this group is more likely to invest more money in the area, spending an average of £200 on features like garden gates more than the younger generation.

Andrew Goodsell, executive chairman of the Saga Group, said that it is important that people take care to secure their gardens as the winter nights draw in.

"As a nation we are passionate about gardens and outdoor spaces, but when spring knocks on the door many of us could face hefty bills to replace items neglected during the harsher months, or stolen from insecure sheds," he commented.

Northumbria Police recently advised homeowners that security "starts at the garden gate", also recommending them to invest in security around windows and drainpipes.