While overall crime against individuals and households in England and Wales has generally decreased over the past decade, some specific types of crime are sadly on the rise - and our gardens and outdoor spaces have become increasingly attractive targets for opportunistic thieves.
According to recently released crime figures for the year ending March 2025, “theft from outside the dwelling” has reached its highest level in 10 years - with a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
This category of crime, as defined by the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), includes thefts that occur on residential property but outside the home itself - such as from gardens, driveways, doorsteps, sheds, porches, garages, and outbuildings. It does not include burglary (theft from inside the home) or vehicle theft.
Over 620,000 Outdoor Thefts Reported in One Year
A staggering 622,000 incidents of theft from outside dwellings were recorded over the past year - the highest number for this crime type in a decade.*
So, why is garden crime on the rise?
A key reason may be the increasing value of our outdoor spaces. Over the last few years, many households have invested more in garden furniture, BBQs, ornaments, and other high-ticket outdoor items - many of which are left unsecured outside. The four heatwaves experienced this year have more than likely only boosted interest in spending more time (and money) in our gardens.
Meanwhile, the rise of online aerial imagery and drones makes it easier than ever for criminals to spot high-value items behind our fences from above - and plan their thefts. Compounding the problem is a typical perception that garden theft is a “low-risk” or trivial crime, with fewer consequences or lower chances of being caught.
Even Plants Are Being Stolen
It’s not just tools and furniture being targeted. Recent research from Allianz UK reveals that 67% of gardeners have been victims of plant theft and 46% believe the issue is increasing in their local area.
Many beloved plants and trees can be worth hundreds of pounds, making them tempting targets. Videos shared on social media have even captured thieves digging up prized plants or lifting pots from front gardens and people’s carefully cultivated borders - sometimes in broad daylight.
How to Protect Your Garden with Smart Outdoor Security
Thankfully, there are plenty of practical and affordable ways to help secure and protect your outdoor space - and smart home technology plays a key role.
At My Secure Garden, we offer a wide range of smart outdoor security devices from trusted brands like Reolink and Amalock. These products allow you to monitor and protect your property and valuable outdoor possessions - all from your smartphone or tablet.
Featured Wireless Security Cameras for Outside
We stock a wide range of wireless security cameras for the outside, designed to be easy to set up and monitor. Discover our best-selling options and their benefits below:
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Reolink Argus 4 Pro
Panoramic 180° colour night vision and wireless setup - perfect for wide outdoor coverage -
Reolink Argus PT Ultra
A pan-and-tilt battery-powered camera, great for flexible, large-space surveillance. -
Reolink GO PT Plus & TrackMix 4G LTE
Ideal for locations without WiFi, these wire-free 4G cameras offer reliable monitoring wherever you are.
Outdoor Smart Lighting
Lighting is also one of the most effective deterrents against garden theft. We offer a powerful and energy-efficient range of motion-sensor lights and floodlights from Ledvance, a global leader in smart lighting technology.
These products are ideal for driveways, paths, garden entrances, outbuildings, and gates, helping to improve both visibility and security around your home.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
With outdoor theft on the rise and criminals targeting everything from garden furniture to plants, now is the time to take action. Investing in smart outdoor security solutions can give you peace of mind - and help keep your home and garden possessions protected all year round.
Sources
*Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), year ending March 2025
*Allianz UK: Two-thirds of gardeners have been victims of plant theft (July 2025)