Once every 26 seconds, a home break-in occurs, leading to an average property loss of $2,799. With the stakes so high, it’s paramount to protect yourself. Securing every part of your home will reduce your vulnerability to intruders.
While you may be worried about criminals breaking in through a window or front door, your garage door should also be a concern. According to the FBI, 9% of burglars break into homes through a garage door.
To keep your home safe from intruders, here are our top tips on how to secure a garage door.
A warped, faded garage door does more than detract from your home’s curb appeal and drives up your energy bills. Any gaps or openings may give criminals a tempting target for accessing your house.
Upgrading to a new garage door with ample security features will improve your home’s value and make it less likely that a robber will gain access.
Garage door security features you should look for include:
One way to keep would-be intruders out of your garage is to conceal what you store there. If a burglar sees things like expensive tools, electronics or fitness equipment, they may be unable to resist.
In addition to keeping your garage door closed, tint your windows to limit what people can see inside, while allowing light to flow in.
Tinted security film is easy to install and makes your window harder to break.
Did you know homes that lack a security system are 300% more likely to experience a break-in?
When interviewed on their habits and motivations, 83% of robbers claimed that they look for a security system before they break in, and 60% said they do not enter a home if they see a system is in place.
By installing a security system, you can protect your investment and deter would-be robbers.
When someone is looking to break into your home, they will find ways to do it discreetly. They may hide behind shrubbery, lurk in the shadows or come out at night. When protecting your garage, give thieves no way to hide.
Installing motion-sensing lights is a cost-effective way to scare off nighttime robbers. If someone tries to rob you in the dark, a sudden flood of bright light might startle them enough to chase them away.
When installing motion-sensing lights, place them strategically, ensuring there is no way a burglar can deactivate them.
In addition to a security system, install a camera by your garage door. Looking at footage from the camera will allow you to spot any suspicious activity happening near your home.
Plus, if a robber sees a security camera that will record their features, they will be less likely to proceed with a break-in. Even if a robbery happens, a camera will collect evidence you can give the police to aid their investigation.
While you may want to use an easy-to-remember number like your birthday or wedding date for your garage passcode, doing so makes you more likely to experience a crime. According to the Bureau of Justice, 29.5% of home robberies are by someone the victim knows.
To keep your garage door secure, do not use a number a friend, relative or neighbor could effortlessly guess. Instead, use a random number combination. If you write the number down, put it somewhere no one else can find it.
As an extra security measure, change your passcode at least twice a year. If you give this number to a housesitter, change it once they leave.
Burglars know most people keep their garage remote in their car, giving them almost immediate access to a home.
Instead of leaving the garage door in your glove box or attached to your visor, take it inside. If you do not want to carry around a bulky remote, upgrade to a universal remote you can keep on your keychain or switch to a garage door with smart technology.
As online videos have revealed, robbers can break into your garage in only six seconds by using a metal coat hanger to engage the emergency release cord.
While some people recommend cutting the cord or using a zip tie to minimize this risk, these methods can compromise your garage door’s safety.
Rather than relying on DIY solutions, buy a steel safety plate that can block the cord from outside threats while still giving you access in an emergency.
While it may seem like a no-brainer, if an access door allows entry into your garage, keep it constantly locked and deadbolted.
To add security to your garage, attach a padlock to the track above the rollers. While this might require drilling, it will ensure your garage door will not budge when you are not home. When you want to use the door again, remove the lock.
If these garage security tips have inspired you to make your home safer from potential burglars, count on us at Drake Reed Door Co.
For over 50 years, our expert technicians and staff have helped customers across Central Pennsylvania secure their homes with repair and installation services. If you are in the market for a new garage door, we can help you buy and install a new garage door and opener system with built-in security features.
If you are interested in our services and live in Central PA, call us at 717-266-2698 or contact us online for more information!
