Having an intruder break into your home is a thought that terrifies most people. And because the garage is generally a less well-protected part of the typical home, it's often one of the primary targets for folks that are up to no good. In our capacity as garage door repair and installation technicians in Littleton, we've come across our fair share of stories of garage break-ins, which is why it's so important that you address any issues with your garage door ASAP. If you leave any sign of vulnerability unresolved, you're asking for trouble.
In this post, we're going to look into some of the ways thieves typically break into garage spaces, as well as provide a number of tips to help you keep your own garage more secure.
How Thieves Typically Break Into Garages
Garage security is really about common sense and being diligent. For example, if garage door repair is required to resolve a problem, don't put it off. Here are some of the ways thieves typically break into garages:
- Trip the Safety Release Mechanism – This is a mechanism that every garage door comes with (or should) to allow easy opening of the door in an emergency situation. However, it can also become a liability that a burglar can potentially exploit if you're not careful. If they are able to manipulate a slight opening in your door (much easier if your door is not properly maintained), they may be able to use a coat hanger or piece of wiring to trip the emergency latch and open the door. This can be countered by locking the release mechanism in the engaged position using some cord or zip ties, so it cannot be tripped as easily. This is not a fool-proof solution, but it will make the task for a burglar decidedly trickier. Alternatively, you could pay to have a “shield” fitted in front of this release latch so that a coat hanger could not reach it, no matter how hard the burglar might try.
- Steal Garage Door Remote – There's not too much science behind this one. Opportunistic thieves will try to steal a garage door remote, allowing them to easily open the door without having to use force to facilitate their entry (something which might draw attention). So you should always be careful not to leave the remote just lying around. Keep it in a secure location.
How You Can Make Your Garage More Secure
If you're starting to feel a little helpless after reading this far, don't. There are plenty of things you can do to stop intruders in their tracks. As garage door repair specialists, you could say that we've learned a thing or two about this topic over the years. Here are a few of the most important things we'd recommend that you implement:
Always Close the Door When You're Not There
You're probably thinking something along the lines of “Ok, Mr Obvious”. But you'd be surprised at just how many thefts take place when the owner of the property is actually at home, but not in view of the garage. So if you're doing some work outside in the yard and have opened the garage to grab some supplies, make sure you close it up before you head back to the yard.
For a burglar, an open garage door with no one in sight is like a red rag for a bull. They can't resist. And when you come back you might just notice a few things missing.
Make Sure You Stick to a Regular Garage Door Maintenance Schedule
Garage doors that are not looked after properly become a big security liability. We've had garage door repair jobs in Littleton whereby the client had broken panels in their door for months, and a burglar had used this as a means to get inside. If there's an obvious fault that is beyond your capabilities, you need to call for garage door repair.
Added to that, make sure a proper revision of the door is done once a year. The condition of key components needs to be checked so that everything is kept in proper working order, minimizing security vulnerabilities in the process.
Install Motion Sensor Lights Outside Your Property
The last thing a thief wants to do is draw attention to himself. Preventing burglaries is about increasing the amount of difficulty they have in accessing your property, while at the same time drawing as much attention to them as possible. If you do that, you'll significantly lower the risk that your garage space could be compromised.
One way to draw unwanted attention to them is to quite literally "shine a light on them". You can do this by having exterior lights installed outside your garage door that are triggered by motion sensors. These lights are also very handy to have in the dark winter months for your own personal use.
Have a Security System Installed (and Let Them Know of Its Existence)
"Now I know this involves more expense, but quite possibly the best option you have for keeping burglars at bay is the installation of an alarm system. In studies that have been done, it's shown that up to 83% of burglars will think twice about trying to gain entry to a garage space when they see it is equipped with an alarm system. So get one installed. And make sure you advertise that fact on the exterior of your home."
Need Garage Door Repair? Give Us a Call
We've been helping property owners with their garage door problems in and around Littleton for the better part of 25 years. If you need help, call (303) 730-0232. We'd be glad to provide assistance!