It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I’m putting away my tools in the garage. As I turn around, I spot a stranger walking down the street, eyeing my prized DeWalt drill and miter saw. My heart skips a beat – this person is no neighbor, but a potential burglar, and my garage is the perfect target.
You see, most homeowners don’t worry about their power tools and lawn equipment getting stolen the way they do about their grandmother’s heirloom jewelry. But the truth is, our garages are one of the most vulnerable and lucrative parts of our homes, making them a prime target for thieves. And I’m not about to let some shady character make off with my hard-earned tools and toys.
Lighting Up the Night
Burglars love the cover of darkness, and many of them rely on the shadowy areas around your garage to hide their nefarious activities. That’s why one of the first things I did to secure my garage was to install motion-activated flood lights near the windows and doors.
Motion-sensing lights are a game-changer when it comes to deterring nighttime break-ins. They instantly illuminate the area, making it much harder for a would-be thief to skulk around unnoticed. And let’s be real, no burglar wants to be caught red-handed in the bright glare of a floodlight.
Securing the Home-Garage Entrance
Of course, securing the garage itself is only half the battle. The real weak point is the door that leads from the garage into the rest of my home. Losing a few power tools is bad enough, but if a burglar gains access to the rest of my house, I’m really in trouble.
That’s why I always make sure to lock this entry door, no matter what. A fancy smart lock or motion sensor won’t do me much good if the door isn’t locked in the first place. I’ve also reinforced the strike plate with extra-long screws to make it harder to kick down, and I’ve installed a solid core door with a sturdy deadbolt.
And to take things a step further, I’ve connected this door to my home security system. Now, if anyone tries to jimmy it open, I’ll get an instant alert on my phone, and the police will be on their way.
Clearing the Line of Sight
While I’m beefing up the security on my garage doors and entryways, I can’t forget about the good old-fashioned burglar tactic of simply walking right up to the garage and peering in. You know, the kind of criminal who doesn’t mind prowling around in broad daylight.
To counter this, I’ve made sure to clear away any large trees or bushes that could provide cover for someone casing my garage. I want my neighbors and passersby to have a clear view of everything that’s going on, so a potential thief knows they’re likely to get caught in the act.
And for an extra layer of protection, I’ve planted some thorny shrubs under the ground-floor garage windows. Sure, it might look a little unconventional, but I’d love to see someone try to break in that way and not end up with a few scratches for their trouble.
Closing the Garage Door, Every Time
I know, I know – this one seems like a no-brainer. But you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen with their garage doors wide open, whether they’re just quickly running inside or leaving the house for the day. And that’s practically an invitation for burglars to come on in and help themselves.
In fact, one homeowners association in Arizona saw a 50% decrease in garage break-ins just by enforcing a rule that residents had to keep their garage doors closed. So, I make sure to close mine every time, even if I’m just going inside for a few minutes.
And to take it a step further, I’ve installed a garage door sensor that alerts me if it’s been left open. That way, I can quickly run out and close it, even if I’m already halfway to the grocery store. I’ve also got an automatic garage door closer that will shut it for me if I forget.
Hiding the Garage Door Opener
Another one of my favorite security tips? Keeping my garage door opener remote hidden and secure. I used to just clip it to the visor in my car, but then I realized that’s basically like leaving a spare key for burglars. They know exactly where to look, and they won’t hesitate to use it if they find it.
Instead, I treat my garage door opener like a valuable key. I keep it on a keychain that I always have with me, or I use a smart garage door opener that I can control from my phone. That way, even if a thief manages to get into my garage, they won’t be able to use the opener to gain access to the rest of my home.
And just in case I ever do get locked out, I’ve left an extra key with a trusted neighbor. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing my garage is secure.
Defeating the Emergency Release
I recently learned that there’s a pretty simple way for burglars to break into a garage using just a coat hanger. Apparently, they can reach through the top of the garage door and pull the emergency release cord, allowing them to open the door from the outside.
Now, some security tips recommend disabling the emergency release entirely, but I’m not a fan of that idea. I don’t want to risk being trapped in my own garage in an emergency. Instead, I installed a Garage Shield – a small device that covers the release cord and makes it impossible for a thief to use it, without compromising the safety feature for me.
Securing the Service Door
While the overhead garage door is the main entry point, I can’t forget about the often-overlooked service door on the side of my garage. These exterior doors with standard locks can be a real weak spot, easily kicked in by a determined burglar.
To beef up the security, I’ve installed a heavy-duty deadbolt and made sure the strike plate is reinforced with long screws. I also opted for a single-sided deadbolt, which has a solid plate on the outside to prevent the lock from being picked.
And just like the entry door from the garage into my home, I’ve connected this service door to my security system. So, if anyone tries to force their way in, I’ll know about it right away.
Staying One Step Ahead
As I wrap up my garage security upgrades, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I know I’m not just protecting my stuff – I’m also keeping my family safe from the threat of a brazen burglar. And let’s be real, outsmarting those shady characters is kind of fun, too.
Of course, I’m not naive enough to think I’ve got this problem completely licked. Burglars are always coming up with new tricks, and I’ll need to stay vigilant to keep them at bay. But with these smart security measures in place, I can rest easy knowing my garage – and my home – are much harder targets for would-be thieves.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some more tools to put away. And you can bet I’ll be keeping a close eye on that guy walking down the street.
Reading General Contractor is here to help you with all your home security needs, from installing motion-activated lights to upgrading your garage door locks. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your property safe and secure.
