Garages are often the easiest targets for burglars, given that they are often disconnected from the main house and contain valuable items such as tools, bikes, and cars.
Even when connected, the security risk is that someone can quickly enter the garage and access your home.
That’s why it is essential to secure your garage to prevent theft and protect your family and possessions.
What Are the Best Ways to Improve Garage Security?
The easiest way to improve your garage security at home is to remember to lock your doors each night. When you get into this habit, you’ll prevent most break-in attempts.
Here are some additional ways to help you and your garage stay safe, whether you’re away from home or not.
Install a High-Quality Garage Door
A sturdy, high-quality garage door is the best way to secure your property. Look for options or designs with robust and durable construction. Consider investing in a door rated for most weather conditions.
Use Motion-Sensor Lighting
Burglars like to operate under cover of darkness, so installing motion-sensor lighting outside your garage can be a great deterrent. When the lights come on, it will alert you and your neighbors, scaring off any would-be thieves. [[1]]
Try to keep the areas around your garage free from bushes, trees, and other hiding options that could offer cover to intruders.
Secure Your Garage Door Opener
Many homeowners keep their garage door opener in their car, making it easily accessible to anyone who breaks into the vehicle. To prevent this, keep it on your keychain or in a secure location inside your home. [[2]]
If you have a smart garage door opener, secure it with a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
Use a Deadbolt
The door that connects your garage to your home is often the weakest link in your home security system. To prevent intruders from gaining access to your home through the garage, install a deadbolt on the door connecting the two spaces. [[3]]
It helps to have the door reinforced with a sturdy frame and hinges. Your building code might require it to be a specific fire-resistant rating, so make any updates necessary to meet or exceed the current regulations.
Secure the Windows
Windows are an easy entry point for burglars, so securing them is essential. Consider installing bars or grilles on any in your garage. Alternatively, you could use shatter-resistant glass or add a security film to prevent them from being easily broken. [[4]]
Keep the Garage Organized
An organized garage not only looks better, but it can also improve your home security. By keeping your tools, bikes, and other items in proper storage spaces, you can more easily identify if something is missing. That makes it less attractive to burglars looking for an easy target. [[5]]
Install a Security System
A home security system can provide additional protection for your garage. It should include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and a loud alarm that will alert you and your neighbors if there is any unauthorized activity in your garage. Today’s technology can connect to monitoring services that alert the police to an incident at your property, even if you’re not home.
Several options are available when you want to improve garage security at home. If your doors are more than ten years old, it might be time to consider a replacement to ensure you and your family stay safe.
[[1]] https://staysafe.org/discover-the-benefits-of-outdoor-motion-sensor-lights/
[[2]] https://www.thespruce.com/garage-door-openers-security-1398160
[[3]] https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-benefits-deadbolt-lock.htm
[[4]] https://www.dhs.gov/publication/shatter-resistant-window-film
[[5]] https://www.thisoldhouse.com/garages/21018117/read-this-before-you-organize-your-garage