Your garage is more than just a place to store your car or tools; it’s an extension of your home and often houses valuable items. Unfortunately, garages can also be prime targets for thieves. Keeping your garage secure is crucial whether you use it for storage, DIY projects, or parking your vehicle.
Here are some effective strategies to safeguard your garage from unwanted intrusions:
1. Upgrade to a Stronger Garage Door
Although very unlikely, an intruder could enter your garage by penetrating your garage door with a crowbar or other object. A garage door made of solid wood or thick insulated steel will offer you the most protection from this type of break-in.
It is also important that your garage door is in good condition. A garage door with a bent panel or any other sign that it is off its track could signal an opportunity for thieves. Most local garage door companies have showrooms, so you can actually see and feel the material before you buy.
Are you not sure how much a new garage door costs? If you provide the material you are looking for and have the measurements of your garage door opening, you can get an exact quote today to replace your door.
2. Install Smart Locks or a Smart Garage Door Opener
Smart door lock systems aren’t just for front doors. Did you know you can get a smart garage door system? These garage door openers are equipped with smart built-in technology that connects to your iPhone or Android phone and allows you to open, close, or limit access to your garage door from anywhere. You can even get notifications when someone is opening your door. Smart garage door openers can also integrate with your home security system so you can monitor and secure your entire house from one app.
3. Secure/Cover Windows
Thieves usually don’t go in if they can’t see anything to steal. If your garage has windows, use frosted glass or a tint to prevent thieves from seeing into your garage in the first place.
You should be careful about putting anything thick inside your garage door windows, like boards or curtains. This can add weight to the door or catch something when it is being operated. Some homeowners will also DIY windows by cutting their garage door panels themselves. This could impact the integrity of the steel and make it easier for a thief to break in. This is one reason it’s recommended to hire a professional when adding windows to your garage door.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Thieves prefer darkness, so installing motion-sensor lights around your garage can be a deterrent. These sudden bursts of light can startle intruders and alert you or your neighbors. But if a burglar knows and wants whatever is in your garage, lighting alone isn’t an effective strategy to stop an unwanted guest from entering.
5. Keep Your Garage Organized and Utilize High Storage
Keeping your garage organized and utilizing storage may not stop a thief from entering, but it can minimize the likelihood that they will get away with valuable stuff.
One of the main items thieves look for in a garage is expensive tools and equipment, which should be locked in cabinets or secured with chains and padlocks
If most of the items in your garage are stored in locked cabinets or on high shelving, it will be very difficult for a thief to access them and get away with your belongings quickly.
If you don’t have room for locked cabinets, ceiling storage racks and mounts are great for making more space in your garage and keeping everything out of reach for an intruder.
6. Keep Your Garage Door Closed
You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open for hours, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners to leave their garage door open for long periods of time.
As we’ve mentioned, thieves will typically scout out a home before they make a move. Not only are you giving them a peak at what you store in your garage, but they may notice you leave your garage door open at specific times of the day, allowing them to plan a robbery.
If you don’t need to keep your garage door open, keep it closed. This is not only a good security measure but will also help keep your garage door clean of debris, like blowing leaves, and help maintain the temperature of your garage.
7. Use Security Cameras
Many burglars will still act even if there is a security camera, but installing a security camera inside and outside your garage can act as a deterrent for some, and more importantly, will record footage that provides valuable evidence in case of a break-in.
Most burglars can see a camera outside your garage, but they may not expect one inside and, in some cases, may remove their face covering once inside. This is why having a camera inside the garage could also be a good idea.
8. Be Cautious with Garage Remote Controls
Many people clip their garage door remote to their car visors, but forgetting to lock your car gives a thief easy access to your garage. Consider using a keychain remote or keeping the remote hidden in your home.
The easiest solution is to make it a habit to make sure your car is locked.
9. Install a Garage Door Lock
Some garage doors are manufactured with a locking mechanism, but if you don’t have a way to lock your garage door from the inside, you may want to look into getting a sliding side lock. Sliding side locks are similar to deadbolt locks you would use on a regular door but are mounted to your garage door frame, and the locking mechanism slides through the metal track to secure your door.
If you have a garage door opener, and it’s connected correctly, then opening your door manually from the outside shouldn’t be possible. If you don’t have a garage door opener or your opener is disconnected, you should have some way to lock your door. Even if you have a garage door opener, having a lock can add an extra layer of security to your door.
10. Get Regular Maintenance and Checks
Regularly inspect your garage door, locks, and security systems for any signs of wear or tampering, and promptly address any issues. If you are unsure how to do this, hire a professional garage door repair company.
They can also recommend security solutions for your garage door system.
Implement These Strategies and Educate
Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance the security of your garage and protect your belongings from theft. It’s also important to ensure everyone in your household understands the importance of garage security. Teach them how to properly use and secure garage doors and entry points, and make it a habit to close the garage door.
Investing in security measures can save you from the stress and inconvenience of dealing with a break-in later. Stay vigilant and prioritize the safety of your home and garage.