What Can You Do to Prevent Garage Burglaries?

Your home is supposed to be your safe refuge, but how safe is it when your garage is not secure? If thieves break into your garage, not only can they steal whatever’s stored there, they can also gain entrance to your whole house.

Here are a few handy ways you can make a garage door more secure.

Don’t Leave Your Garage Door Open

Even if you’re on the property, leaving the garage door open can be an invitation for thieves to walk right in. If you often forget to close the garage door, install a timer to close the door automatically.

Don’t Keep the Remote in the Car

It’s convenient to keep your garage remote inside your car for quick access, but that also makes it convenient for thieves. Instead, fasten a remote control to your key chain, or install an internet gateway to connect to the door via your smartphone.

Upgrade an Old Garage Door Opener

You may also want to replace your garage door opener. Older garage door openers use a single code, which makes it easier to hack. New openers use a system of rolling codes, so a new code gets created every time you hit the button.

Reduce Window Visibility

If garage windows are located at eye level and have clear visibility, your garage can become a target for thieves.

You can prevent this hazard by making a careful selection when you buy a new garage door. Choose a door with windows located above eye level, or select glass that obscures visibility, such as smoked or frosted glass.

You can also cover existing windows with film to reduce visibility.

Install Lights

Lights at the garage door can help deter thieves.

Motion detector lights are especially effective.

Secure the Emergency Cord

A garage opener has an emergency cord that you can pull to open the door if necessary. However, sometimes this cord is visible from a window, or accessible to anyone who can pull it close with a coat hanger. You can secure the cord with a metal plate such as a Garage Door Shield.

How to Make a Garage Door More Secure for Extended Periods

When you leave the house on vacation or for long periods of time, your garage becomes even more vulnerable.

One way to secure your garage is to unplug the garage door opener when you leave. This will make it impossible to operate the garage door motor.

You may also be able to block the garage door tracks. Do this by attaching padlocks directly to the track, right behind the rollers. You may have to drill holes through the tracks to hold the padlocks.

You may also want to make yourself automatic reminders to plug in the door opener and remove the locks when you get home, so that you don’t forget and try to operate the door.

Lock the Garage Access Door

If a thief gets into the garage, you want the rest of your home to be secured. Install a deadlock on the door that leads to the garage, and keep it locked when necessary.

Getting Started

Now that you’ve learned how to make a garage door more secure, it’s time to take action. Whether you’re making small steps, such as covering the windows with film, or making major changes, such as ordering new openers or new doors, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about your garage door options.