The Garage: A Burglar’s Favorite Entryway
It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I’m putting away my tools in the garage. I don’t pay much attention to the guy leisurely strolling down the street – he must be a neighbor, right? Wrong. That guy is a seasoned burglar, and he’s got his sights set on my DeWalt drill and miter saw. He knows from experience that, like most people, I probably don’t secure my garage as well as the rest of my house. And he’s about to take full advantage of that.
Most of us tend to worry more about the family heirlooms and jewelry than the power tools and sporting equipment in the garage. But the truth is, your garage is a prime target for thieves. It’s one of the most vulnerable and lucrative parts of your home. And those burglars? They know it all too well.
Outsmarting the Burglars: 8 Garage Security Tips
So, how do we outsmart these shady characters and keep our garages – and the rest of our homes – secure? Here are eight practical tips to help you think like a burglar and beef up your garage security:
1. Illuminate the Shadows
Burglars love the cover of darkness, and many of them rely on the shadowy areas around your garage to hide their nefarious activities. Investing in motion-activated flood lights near your garage windows and doors can be a real deterrent. These smart lights will make burglars think twice about attempting a nighttime break-in.
2. Secure the Garage-to-House Entryway
As you’re beefing up your garage security, don’t forget about the door that leads from your attached garage into your home. Losing power tools and sporting equipment is bad enough, but once a burglar gains access to the rest of your house, the risks skyrocket. Always remember to lock this entry door, and consider reinforcing it with a solid core door and a heavy-duty deadbolt.
3. Maintain Visibility
More brazen burglars don’t mind prowling around in broad daylight, but they’ll still take advantage of any cover provided by overgrown trees and shrubs near your garage. Keep your garage entry points visible from the street by clearing away large vegetation. You can even plant some thorny bushes under ground-floor garage windows to deter break-in attempts.
4. Close that Garage Door!
I know, it seems like a no-brainer, but just take a stroll through any neighborhood, and you’ll see a number of wide-open garage doors, with no one in sight. An open overhead garage door is an open invitation to burglars. In fact, one homeowners association in Arizona saw a 50% decrease in break-ins after implementing a rule that required homeowners to keep their garage doors closed.
Consider installing a garage door sensor or an automatic closer to make sure your door isn’t left vulnerable. And for even more protection, look into an automatic garage door lock that will deadbolt your door every time it closes.
5. Conceal Your Valuables
An uncovered garage window showing off all your high-value tools and equipment can be just the motivation a burglar needs to target your home. Interior curtains or blinds work well, but if you want to let in natural light without the worry, try an adhesive window film like Artscape Etched Glass.
6. Treat that Garage Opener Like a Key
Don’t leave your garage door opener clipped to the visor in your car. Thieves know that’s basically another key to your home, and they won’t hesitate to use it. Upgrade to a keychain remote or a smart garage door opener that you can control from your smartphone.
7. Secure that Emergency Release
Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, we now know how easy it is for a thief with a simple coat hanger to open your garage door in under a minute. Some recommend using a zip tie or cutting the emergency release cord, but that compromises your safety in an actual emergency. Instead, consider a Garage Shield – it covers the release cord, making it impossible for a burglar to use it for break-in.
8. Reinforce that Side Door
Burglars love a good side door where they can do their breaking and entering away from prying eyes. Upgrade your exterior garage service door with a deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate to keep those criminals out.
Embrace the Latest Garage Security Tech
As if these eight tips weren’t enough, the latest garage security tech can take your protection to the next level. Smart garage door openers that connect to your smartphone, outdoor security cameras, and rolling code technology that foils code grabbers – the options are endless.
And don’t forget to lean on your trusted general contractor for expert advice on upgrading your garage security. They can help you navigate the latest products and installations to keep your home and vehicles safe.
Conclusion: A Fortress, Not a Welcome Mat
At the end of the day, your garage shouldn’t be a welcome mat for burglars – it should be a fortress. By implementing these security measures and embracing the latest tech, you can rest easy knowing your garage, and the rest of your home, are protected.
So, the next time I’m putting away my tools and spot a stranger strolling by, I’ll be ready. That burglar might think he’s found an easy target, but he’s in for a rude awakening. My garage is officially on lockdown.
