Framing for the future
Warning issued to picnickers
People heading out in their car to enjoy a picnic at a local beauty spot should make sure they lock valuable items away and out of sight of opportunist thieves warns insurer NFU Mutual .
After a spate of thefts from cars parked at beauty spots across the UK , many regional police forces have issued warnings to motorists and NFU Mutual has revealed that its own claims data showed that thefts from cars rose by 16 per cent between 2014 and 2015 .
Commenting on the subject , Nicki Whittaker , a High Value Home Specialist at NFU Mutual said : “ During National Picnic Week many people will be shaking out their picnic rugs and heading off to beauty spots across the UK to dine alfresco with families . Unfortunately , while they are away from their vehicles , any valuable items left on display may fall prey to opportunist thieves and we want to remind people to remove these items or lock them away .”
According to NFU Mutual , the items most commonly stolen from cars are handbags , phones , satnavs , items of clothing and bikes .
To help people avoid falling victim to ‘ pic-nickers ’ NFU
Mutual has produced the following list of security tips :
• Never leave valuable items in your car – check that children haven ’ t left phones or other items on the back seats of the car .
• If you use a portable satnav device , remove the device and its holder before leaving the vehicle – if necessary , lock it in the glove compartment or in the boot .
• Remember that satnav holders often leave tell-tale marks on the windscreen . It helps to carry some window wipes in the car so you can remove these marks before you leave the car .
• It sounds silly but double check that you ’ ve locked the car and that all the windows and sunroof are closed .
• Don ’ t leave cash , credit cards , chequebooks , mobile phones or other valuables in the car . Even a jacket or a plastic bag can tempt a thief . Hide any valuables in the boot of your car before you start your journey .
Wootton Bridge-based specialists Wisteria Framing has seen plenty of changes in the picture framing industry in the 40 years it has been in business .
Gone are the days of dark brown frames with the bright gold sight edges and the uninteresting profiles that adorned the walls of many a house . These days , they have been largely replaced by warm natural woods with washes of colour , or just left in their natural state .
According to business owner Paul Jacobs , customers these days get much more involved with the framing of their much-loved art work , and want it to complement their interior décor .
“ Here on the Island we have an affinity with the sea , and many wish to bring this sentiment into their homes ” says Paul . “ The use of unfinished moulding with soft colours and washes applied in our workshop makes each picture frame more personal ”.
The company has also embraced technology to assist with each part of the framing process , which enables them to deal with a larger volume of orders and the quality of its finished product brings most new customers by recommendation .
“ In today ’ s ever changing market place ” says Paul , “ Wisteria still prides itself on being able to give individual advice to each customer and ensure that the final result will be as good they imagined , if not better .”
Wisteria has worked with many high-profile artists and galleries over the years , each with their own definitive style that needs to be complemented by the correct frame .
“ Whilst a picture frame itself is unlikely to be considered art ” says Paul , “ we do like to think of our picture framing as ‘ the art of presentation ’”.
Find Wisteria Framing at 22 High St , Wootton . Telephone 01983 882980 .
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