Homeowners typically worry about keeping their house safe from intruders. Nearly 30% of thieves enter a property through an unlocked door or window. So it’s no surprise that the attention is focussed on securing them. Many times garage doors are overlooked, even though they rank 4th on the list of break-in entry points. From a burglar’s point of view, an attached garage provides easy access to the entire residence. All he needs to do is open the garage door and slip inside. Once he’s sheltered from the prying eyes of a passerby, the thief can utilize any object inside the garage to compromise the inner door.
It’s important to make your garage more secure. Here are 3 ways to prevent break-ins:
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Secure every aspect
The safety of your home is linked to the security of your garage. Securing your garage door doesn’t just mean the roll-up door. You should look at every entrance point as a vulnerability. There are four aspects of garage security you need to be concerned about:
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Main garage door
The obvious suggestion is to keep your garage door closed at all times. An open door is an invitation for anyone to walk in and grab something. No matter how safe you may think your community is, good neighborhoods are the first place criminals like to target.
Even a closed garage door can be quickly opened, details are mentioned below. Make sure that the garage door functions properly all the time. The last thing you need is for it to malfunction late at night. Pay attention to regular maintenance, especially the tracks, motor, and other mechanical parts. If there are issues, employ the services of a well-established company that has years of experience in garage door repair DFW area.
Before leaving on vacation, use extra measures. Since standard exterior locks are vulnerable to picking, attach padlocks on each track just above the rollers. The door won’t budge when you’re gone, but remember to remove them before trying to open the garage when you return.
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Side entrance into the garage and inner door connecting the garage to your house
Make sure that both the entries are as secure as your front door. Ensure you have strong, sturdy doors made out of solid-core wood or reinforced steel. Remember to check the frame, locks, and hinges of both them. Go the next level and put a deadbolt on the door between your house and garage.
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Garage windows
Don’t forget to include windows in your plan. Keep them locked to stop anyone from entering. Hang curtains, apply privacy film, or frost the glass from the inside to prevent burglars from peeping into your garage. Providing a clear view of what’s inside your garage can make you an attractive target. And if it makes you sleep better at night, install smash-proof glass or window bars to secure your garage windows.
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Implement the right security measures
With the right equipment, you can make your garage considerably safer. Look at some of the following ideas:
- A garage security system can enhance the safety of your home. Install a CCTV or wifi cameras to alert you if someone approaches your garage, allowing you to take immediate action.
- Place a sticker informing everyone that the area is under surveillance. Just the fear of being caught on tape can be enough to dissuade a burglar from attempting to enter your garage.
- You can also install a keypad outside the garage. Keep the security code safe. Change the code if you feel that it has been revealed.
- A well-lit garage can deter trespassers as they prefer to sneak around poorly-lit or dark places. Motion-sensing lights and alarms are effective ways to protect your property.
- You can never be too careful. Avoid keeping the garage door opener remote in your car, especially if you have a habit of leaving your vehicle in the driveway. A burglar may target your car and access the door opener. Getting into your home is simple from there. Consider buying a smaller keychain version or install a device which uses a smartphone app to operate the garage door.
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Block the cord
All automatic garage doors are required to have a safety release mechanism. This allows the door to be opened in case of a malfunction or emergency such as a person getting trapped beneath the door. The safety release mechanism can be tripped from outside a garage door by yanking the cord with the help of a coat hanger. An intruder can easily disengage the safety release, lift the garage door manually, and enter your home within a minute.
- Install a garage shield- a small steel plate screwed to the belt- to obstruct a burglar’s effort from reaching the rope.
- Or use a zip-tie to lock the disengaging cord. This restricts access to thieves while remaining functional in case of an emergency. Simply pull the handle hard to break the zip tie.
Taking a few minutes to review the safety of your garage door is worth the time. It’s an easy way to secure your home from break-ins. And while you’re at it, make sure the rest of your home is as safe as your garage.