When it comes to home security, one area that is often overlooked is the garage. Many homeowners focus on securing the main entry points of their house, such as the front door and windows, but forget about the vulnerabilities of their garage.
Garages are prime targets for burglars because they often contain valuable items such as tools, bicycles, and even vehicles. Securing your garage not only protects your belongings but also adds an extra layer of protection to your home. In this article, we will discuss four ways to burglar-proof your garage and keep your property safe.
1. Why your garage door is at risk?
A burglar’s mission is simple: get in, grab valuables, and get out as quickly as possible. For many, the garage offers an ideal point of entry. Around 9% of burglaries occur through the garage, making it the second most common entry point after the front door. Whether burglars are after your tools, high-end equipment, or even a way into your home, ensuring that your garage is secure is essential to protecting your property.
2. Upgrade Your Garage Door Security
One of the first things you should do to burglar-proof your garage is to upgrade your garage door security. Many older garage doors are equipped with outdated locking mechanisms that can easily be bypassed by experienced burglars. Consider installing a more secure garage door opener with rolling code technology, which changes the access code every time the door is opened. This makes it much harder for thieves to gain access to your garage.
Additionally, you can reinforce your garage door by installing a deadbolt or slide bolt lock on the inside. This provides an extra layer of security and makes it more difficult for intruders to break in. Make sure to also inspect the integrity of your garage door regularly and repair any damages promptly to prevent forced entry.
3. Install Motion-Activated Lights
Another effective way to deter burglars from targeting your garage is to install motion-activated lights. These lights are triggered by motion, which alerts you to any suspicious activity near your garage. Burglars are less likely to attempt a break-in if they are exposed by bright lights, as they prefer to operate in dark and secluded areas.
Place motion-activated lights at strategic locations around your garage, such as near the entrance and any windows. This will not only make it harder for intruders to remain undetected but also increase the visibility of your property at night, deterring potential threats.
Secure Garage Windows
Garage windows are often overlooked when it comes to home security, but they can be a weak point that burglars can exploit. To burglar-proof your garage, make sure to secure all windows with sturdy locks or bars. Consider installing window alarms that will sound an alert if the window is opened, providing an extra layer of security to your garage.
If your garage windows are easily accessible from the outside, consider covering them with frosted glass or window film to prevent prying eyes. This not only enhances privacy but also reduces the risk of burglars spying on your belongings and planning a break-in.
4. Keep Your Garage Organized
One of the simplest ways to burglar-proof your garage is to keep it organized and clutter-free. A messy garage not only makes it easier for burglars to hide and rummage through your belongings but also signals to them that you may have valuable items worth stealing.
Invest in sturdy storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and pegboards to keep your tools and equipment organized and out of sight. Store valuable items such as bicycles, power tools, and sporting equipment in locked cabinets or secure them with cables and locks. By keeping your garage organized, you not only make it less appealing to burglars but also make it easier for you to quickly identify if anything is missing.
Tinted Security Film on Garage Door Windows
One of the first steps in improving garage security is making sure burglars can’t see what’s inside. Tinted security film made from laminated polyester can obscure the view through your garage windows, while still allowing natural light in. Not only does this film prevent prying eyes from scouting your valuables, but it also makes windows harder to break.
For those who want breakage protection without the tint, tint-free security films are available as well.
Be Careful With Your Keypad Code
If your garage has a keypad entry, treat it like any other important password. Keep the code confidential, and change it regularly—at least once every six months. If you ever share the code with anyone outside your household, make sure to update it once they no longer need access.
Don’t Leave Your Remote in the Car
Many burglars know that people often leave garage door remotes in their vehicles. Avoid keeping your garage door opener in your car, especially if it’s parked outside. If a thief breaks into your car, they can easily use the remote to access your garage. A great alternative is to upgrade to a keychain remote, which you can always keep with you. Even better, consider installing a smart garage door opener that you can control via your smartphone for added convenience and security.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
Burglars thrive in the shadows, so bright lighting can be a significant deterrent. Installing motion-activated lights around your garage doors and windows ensures that any unexpected movement triggers bright lighting, which often scares off intruders. If your garage is detached or in a dimly lit area, this simple addition can make a world of difference.
Use a Garage Door Protective Shield
Thieves can easily manipulate garage doors with a coat hanger by fishing for the emergency release cord. Installing a protective shield over the release mechanism can block this method. These metal shields are inexpensive and easy to install, but they significantly boost garage security.
Lock and Reinforce All Doors
Many garages have side or back doors that are often overlooked. These entry points need to be as secure as the main garage door. Upgrade hollow-core doors to steel or solid-core doors, and equip them with deadbolts. For additional security, reinforce the strike plate of the door with longer screws and stronger materials to prevent forced entry.
Also, make sure to lock the internal door leading from the garage to the house. Use a solid deadbolt lock to secure this door properly.
Upgrade to a Smart Security System
A home security system with sensors on your garage doors and windows is an excellent deterrent. Statistics show that 83% of burglars avoid homes with alarm systems, and homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
You can install a driveway alarm system or a garage door sensor that alerts you when your garage door opens or closes. Modern security systems can be linked to smart technology, allowing you to monitor your garage from your phone or receive alerts if there’s any unusual activity.
Physically Lock the Overhead Garage Door
While unplugging your garage door opener might prevent electronic tampering, it won’t stop a thief from opening the garage manually from the inside. Physically locking the garage door adds another layer of security. Use a padlock by drilling a hole in the track above the roller and inserting the lock, making it impossible to open without a key.
Don’t Leave the Garage Door Open
One of the simplest yet most overlooked steps is ensuring the garage door is closed. Many burglaries occur because homeowners leave their doors open, inadvertently inviting thieves to browse their valuables. Installing a garage door monitor or an automatic door closer ensures that the door is never left open for too long.
Install a Security Camera
Visible security cameras are a strong deterrent, as burglars are less likely to attempt a break-in if they know they’re being recorded. Cameras also provide valuable evidence if a break-in does occur. For optimal coverage, place cameras near all entrances, including the overhead garage door, service doors, and any windows. If possible, opt for cameras that allow remote monitoring so you can check on your garage even when you’re away.
Improve Landscaping for Visibility
Landscaping can either help or hinder your garage security. Avoid planting large bushes or trees near garage windows or doors, as they can provide cover for burglars. Instead, trim back vegetation to ensure your garage is visible from the street. You can also plant thorny shrubs under windows to discourage burglars from getting too close.
Hide Your Valuables
Leaving valuable items in plain sight, like bicycles, tools, or expensive equipment, can make your garage an attractive target. Install window blinds or use adhesive window film to obscure the view from outside. Consider locking your high-value items inside cabinets or securing them with additional locks to make them harder to steal, even if the thief gets inside.
Conclusion
Securing your garage is essential to protecting your home and belongings from intruders. By following these four ways to burglar-proof your garage, you can enhance the security of your property and deter potential threats. Upgrade your garage door security, install motion-activated lights, secure garage windows, and keep your garage organized to create a safe and secure environment for your family. Remember, investing in home security measures now can prevent costly losses in the future.