As the days get longer and the weather becomes warmer, Britain's small army of gardeners will return to their beloved plots of land - doubtless fuelled by ideas and schemes created on their TV screens by coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show as well as shows such as Ground Force and Home Front.

However, trouble lurks in the garden, and it's not just with the gnomes. The latest British Crime Survey figures reveal there are more than 1.2 million thefts from outside people's homes each year, with a further 450,000 occurring from garden sheds and other outbuildings.

During 2001/2002, 2% of households in the UK were victims of burglary with 1.5% victims of attempted burglary.

As you would expect, the majority of these claims come in the summer time, with the surge in claims coming around Spring Bank Holiday. Halifax General Insurance offers some timely advice on what you can do to protect your garden:

• Ensure your garden is visibly lit - security lights can easily be fitted to the outside of properties and don't always require wiring. But ensure you direct the light downward to avoid annoying neighbours or causing light pollution. According to the police, low power lights are more effective because they do not produce hard shadows where villains can hide.
• Alarm your shed and garage - these can usually be linked to existing systems installed in your house.
• Fit locks to all doors on outside buildings and try to store tools in cupboards or boxes and keep them out of sight - put up curtains or blinds to cover windows.
• If you are working on your garden don't leave power tools or other equipment unattended, even if you just nip inside for a quick cup of tea.
• Mark expensive equipment with your postcode and list the serial numbers. If you are creative you could always customise your garden equipment with paint to make it more difficult for a thief to sell on.

We also all probably remember the saga of kidnapped garden gnomes, belonging to the hapless Derrick Wilton from Coronation Street. Here's what you can do to protect valuables in your garden:

• If you have any gnomes, valuable ornaments or fittings in your garden make sure they are fixed securely.
• Use heavy weights such as bricks or rock in large plant pots below the soil level to make them heavier to lift.
• Photograph ornaments it may help to get them back if they are stolen.
• Make use of gravel on pathways around your garden so you will be able to hear people approaching.

If the worst comes to the worst and your garden is the victim of a crime you can protect your garden valuables through your home insurance.

Howard Posner, General Manager Halifax General Insurance, said: "As people venture back in to their gardens this summer, insurance might not be the first thing on their minds but it clearly is an important consideration.”

Halifax General Insurance provides cover for items up to the value of £500 - this includes plants. Valuables kept in outbuildings are insured up to the value of £2,000. Not all insurers provide this cover as part of their standard policy so it is worth checking that these valuables are covered especially if you are a keen gardener.