Preventing Garage Door Break-Ins
If the garage door has a manual lock, utilize it for extra security while out of town or away from home for an extended period.
Garage security relies on more than just the garage door; every entry point must be considered a vulnerability. Garages are one of the easiest ways for thieves to enter a residence and offer intruders shelter upon entry. While a garage burglary occurs, an outsider may only see a vehicle parked outside the garage and assume nothing suspicious.
Any loss or damage to a household is devastating, but knowing it could have been prevented through simple safety measures is all the more frustrating. There are eight precautions all homeowners with a garage should take into consideration to maximize the security of their home.
Remote control openers
Most people have a remote-controlled garage door opener and store it in their car for easy access when returning home. This, however, is a security risk. If a car is mistakenly left unlocked, thieves could have access to the garage and even the entire home with this remote.
Instead, garage door remote control openers are safer on a keychain that stays with the homeowner. This way, they're far less likely to be stolen or misplaced.
Emergency release
Garages are sometimes broken into by slipping a hanger through the top of the garage door and pulling the emergency release from the outside. There are videos online that show how a simple zip tie can prevent thieves from being able to pull the emergency release but still allow it to be pulled from the inside in case of an actual emergency.
Deadbolt the door
Make sure a deadbolt is installed on the door between the garage and the home and that the door is made of a sturdy material, such as solid wood or steel. This ensures that the home is still protected if the garage is broken into.
Close the garage door
Safe communities are not immune to break-ins, especially if residents have gotten too comfortable and habitually leave their garage doors open. Closing the garage door after every use is a simple yet highly effective safety measure.
Install a peephole
If any suspicious noises are heard, a wide-angle peephole allows occupants of the home to check on activity in the garage without opening the door. If a thief has entered the garage, it's safest to stay uninvolved and call the police.
Block out windows
Conceal the garage's contents by blocking any windows with curtains or frosted window applications. Seeing into the garage allows burglars to know if the residents are home and if there are any valuables in the garage. Blocking out the windows prevents potential thieves from having this advantage. If installing any new doors, choosing one with no windows is best to eliminate this risk entirely.
Lock the garage door while away
If the garage door has a manual lock, utilize it for extra security while out of town or away from home for an extended period. If there is no manual lock, a c-clamp can be tightened on each side of the door track to "lock" down the door by blocking the rollers from being able to move up the track to open the garage door. This is a similar function to the window track locks that can be installed on a home's interior windows.
Maintain the mechanics
Maintain the garage door's mechanics to ensure that the door cannot be easily tampered with and that all security measures are in place. Always remember the door from the garage to the home; examine the frame, locks, hinges, and any exchangeable products to ensure everything is in working order.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
