No one likes the feeling of being violated, and your garage is no different. Your garage is an extension of your home, and you should feel just as safe inside of it as you do inside your home. Unfortunately, many people do not take the necessary precautions to prevent their garage from being broken into. Here are 12 simple steps you can take today to prevent your garage from being broken into.
How to Prevent Garage Door Break Ins
Your garage door is one of the most vulnerable entry points to your home. A study by the National Crime Prevention Council found that 1 in 4 burglars enter a home through the garage.
There are a few simple steps you can take to make your garage door more secure and less inviting to burglars. In this section, we’ll go over 12 ways to prevent garage door break-ins.
1 – Keep Your Valuables Out of Site
If you have a garage door opener, be sure to keep it out of sight as well. If possible, invest in a garage door opener that has a rolling code feature, which makes it much harder for thieves to break in. If you have expensive tools or other items in your garage, make sure to store them in a locked cabinet or shed. One of the best ways to prevent garage door break-ins is to keep your valuables out of sight.
2 – Make Your House Look Lived In
One of the best ways to deter burglars from targeting your garage is to make it look like it’s part of a well-lived-in home. Here are a few simple ways to do that: Most burglars are looking for an easy target. They want a house that looks unoccupied and unprotected.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked at all times.
• If you have a window in your garage door, keep it covered with a blind or curtain.
• Don’t leave any valuables in plain sight in your garage.
• Keep your garage well-lit, both inside and out.
• Install a motion-sensor light outside your garage.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s visible and in good working order.
• Make sure your garage door opener is up-to-date and working properly.
• Keep your landscaping around your garage well-maintained.
• Get to know your neighbors and let them know you’re watching out for each other.
• Consider installing a surveillance camera system.
3 – Use Outdoor Lighting
One simple way to help prevent garage door break-ins is to use outdoor lighting. Motion sensor lights can be a great option because they will turn on automatically when someone is near your garage door. You can also use regular floodlights to help illuminate your garage door area. This is especially effective if you have a dark garage or one that is not well-lit.
4 – Keep the Remote Opener Inside Your Home
This way, if someone does manage to break into your garage, they will not be able to open the door and get into your home. One of the best ways to prevent garage door break-ins is to keep the remote opener inside your home.
5 – Lock Your Garage Door
Most people don’t think about their garage door as a possible entry point for burglars, but it’s actually one of the most common ways that thieves gain entry into homes. There are a few simple steps you can take to prevent your garage door from being broken into.
First, make sure to always lock your garage door, even when you’re home. Many people forget to do this, but it’s an easy way for burglars to get into your home.
Second, invest in a good quality garage door opener that has a rolling code feature. This will prevent thieves from being able to use a universal remote to open your garage door.
Third, consider installing a security camera above your garage door. This will deter burglars and also give you a way to identify them if they do break in.
Fourth, keep your garage door opener remote out of sight and in a safe place. If burglars see it, they may be tempted to break in just to get the remote.
Finally, consider adding a deadbolt lock to your garage door. This will make it much more difficult for burglars to break in and will give you an extra layer of security.
6 – Secure Entry Doors
There are a number of different types of entry doors available on the market, and it is important to choose one that is both strong and durable. One of the most effective ways to prevent garage door break-ins is to install secure entry doors.
They also usually come with a deadbolt lock, which makes them even more secure. One type of entry door that is becoming increasingly popular is the steel security door. These doors are made from a heavy-duty steel that is difficult to break through.
This makes them easier to install, and they can also be painted to match the exterior of your home. Another type of entry door that is worth considering is the fiberglass security door. These doors are also made from a strong and durable material, but they are lighter in weight than steel doors.
This means that the door should fit snugly in the frame and that the locks are properly aligned. If you are not sure how to install the door, it is best to hire a professional to do it for you. Whatever type of entry door you choose, it is important to make sure that it is installed properly.
In addition to installing secure entry doors, there are a number of other things you can do to prevent garage door break-ins. You should also consider installing a security system that will notify you if someone tries to break into your garage. For example, you should always keep your garage door closed when you are not home, and you should never leave valuables in plain sight.
7 – Install Cameras (Even Fake Ones)
One simple way to help prevent garage door break-ins is to install cameras, even fake ones. Plus, if a break-in does occur, the footage can be used to help identify the perpetrator. This will help to deter criminals as they will think twice before attempting a break-in if they see cameras installed.
8 – Install a Security System
A home security system is one of the best ways to prevent a garage door break-in. A security system will deter burglars and alert you if someone tries to break into your garage. There are many different types of security systems available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
9 – Put Security Stickers in the Windows
This will help to deter would-be thieves as they will be able to see that your home is protected. One simple way to help prevent garage door break-ins is to place security stickers in the windows. There are a variety of different security stickers available, so be sure to choose ones that will be most visible from the outside. Also, be sure to place them in an area where they will be easily seen, such as near the top of the window.
10 – Put “Beware of Dog” Stickers in the Windows
This will deter would-be burglars from even attempting to break in, as they will think that there is a dog inside that could attack them. One simple way to help prevent garage door break-ins is to put “Beware of Dog” stickers in your windows.
11 – Install Security Bars
Installing security bars is one of the most effective ways to prevent garage door break-ins. Security bars are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any door. They are easy to install and can be found at most home improvement stores.
12 – Don’t Provide Easy Cover
You should also consider installing a security camera near the door, as this can deter burglars and help you to identify them if they do break in. One of the most important things you can do to prevent a garage door break in is to make sure that you don’t provide easy cover for would-be burglars. This means ensuring that there are no bushes or other foliage near the door that could provide hiding spots, and that the door itself is well-lit so that there are no dark corners for someone to hide in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I prevent my garage door from being broken into?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your garage door from being broken into. First, make sure to keep your garage door closed and locked when you’re not home. You can also install a security system that will notify you if someone tries to break into your garage. Finally, make sure to keep valuables out of sight so that they’re not tempting targets for thieves.
2. What are some signs that my garage door is being targeted for a break-in?
There are a few signs that you can look for that may indicate that your garage door is being targeted for a break-in. First, check to see if there are any new scratches or dents around the lock. This could be where a thief has been trying to pick the lock. You should also check to see if the door itself is loose or if the frame is damaged. If either of these is the case, it’s possible that a thief has tried to force the door open.
3. How can I make my garage door more secure?
There are a few things you can do to make your garage door more secure. First, you can install a deadbolt lock. This will make it more difficult for a thief to break in. You can also install a security system that will notify you if someone tries to break into your garage. Finally, make sure to keep valuables out of sight so that they’re not tempting targets for thieves.
4. What should I do if I come home and find that my garage door has been broken into?
If you come home and find that your garage door has been broken into, the first thing you should do is call the police. They will be able to investigate the break-in and help you file a report. You should also take inventory of what was stolen and file an insurance claim if necessary.
5. I’m worried about my garage door being broken into while I’m away on vacation. What can I do to protect it?
There are a few things you can do to help protect your garage door while you’re away on vacation. First, make sure to have someone check on your house regularly. This can help deter thieves as well as give you peace of mind. You can also install a security system that will notify you if someone tries to break into your garage. Finally, make sure to leave a light on in the garage so that it’s not an easy target for thieves.
Final thoughts
If you’re concerned about garage door break-ins, there are a few simple steps you can take to deter would-be thieves. Start by ensuring that your garage door is in good working order. If it’s old or damaged, it may be time for an upgrade. Next, consider adding a security system to your garage. This will not only deter thieves, but it will also give you peace of mind. Finally, be sure to keep your garage door opener out of sight and out of reach of potential thieves. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your garage and your home safe from break-ins.