Garage Door Security Tips

Most people see the big, heavy overhead door that separates their garage from the outside world and they feel as though they are well protected. Unfortunately, if you don’t take the proper precautions, this area of your home can provide intruders with fairly easy access to your valuables and other prized possession.

Attached garages are particularly attractive to thieves for a few reasons. Firstly, they tend to house some pretty valuable items like bicycles, power tools, yard equipment - and all of your families vehicles. Secondly, if a thief can gain easy access into your attached garage he can take additional time working to get into your home without the fear of being seen by your neighbors or passersby.

This is the ultimate prize for intruders as it lets them work undercover and will result in a bigger haul once they’ve gotten into your home. You have to be proactive if you want to protect your home and family. If you want to reduce the chance of intruders getting into your home via your garage door, here are some things that should become immediate priorities.

Keep the Door Closed

Many people have a tendency to keep their overhead door open when the weather outside is favorable. This is fine if you are going to be right there or if you are working in the garage - if you aren’t going to be inside the garage or within direct line of site, this can be a big mistake.

An open door lets thieves get a good, long look at anything they might want inside your garage. Things like a snow blower, an ATV, your Vespa scooter or your portable generator in plain site can make your home an instant target. If you are away from your garage for more than a few minutes with the door open, a bold thief might just have enough time to reach inside and grab something without even having to actually “break” in.

Keep the Doors Locked

Depending on the size of your garage you may have multiple points of entry. Some garages have two overhead doors and a service door (a standard walk-in entry door) and each needs to be kept closed and locked in order to keep your home safe.

As many homeowners don’t make regular use of the walk in door, it sometimes takes the role of afterthought. It is important to note though that if this door is left open or only protected by a flimsy, interior style lock that potential intruders will gladly use it as their primary point of entry. These doors need to be treated like any other exterior entry door into your home and protected by a solid deadbolt at a minimum.

As far as the overhead door (or doors) is concerned, while just closing them via the motor is a bit of a deterrent it certainly can’t be considered completely secure. Even a quality garage door can be “fished” by a talented thief who has the right tools and some knowledge of where emergency releases are typically located. If your overhead doors have windows, the process of entry becomes even easier as the intruder will have a direct line of site to the emergency release that will allow him to open the door.

Overhead garage doors are equipped with sliding bolts and padlock provisions for a reason. When you are retiring for the night or if you are going away on vacation, make use of the locks on your overhead doors to keep criminals out.

Take Your Opener with You

It’s a good possibility that your overhead garage door came with a super convenient opener that clips right onto the visor in your car. While this gives you easy access to your home, it can also give a thief the very same easy access.

If you park your car in the driveway or on the street, that opener is in view of any potential thief who happens to be walking by or canvassing your neighborhood. Leaving your garage door opener out in view is also very dangerous while you are away from home. If a thief breaks into your car while you are at the office, at a concert or at a sporting event they will likely have your address from documents inside of your car (auto insurance, registration, etc.), they will have very easy access into your garage and they will have at least a rough idea of how long you’ll be gone. This is an absolute dream for a criminal and a complete nightmare for a homeowner.

Either take your opener with you whenever you leave your car or exchange your clip on version for a keychain version that has to leave your car with you. This will keep your home and family a little bit safer whenever your car is parked outside of the garage.

Inspect for Flaws or Damage

Every so often you also want to take an objective look around your garage (and the rest of your home) to assess the security. If your overhead door has and visible signs of damage (whether it is dents to steel, rot to wood, bends in the tracks or broken panels or windows) you might want to bring in a professional for an evaluation. Your garage door can either provide a great deal of protection for your family or a great way for intruders to gain access to your home – if there is any question as to which way your door is leaning, consider having it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Garage Door Security Checklist

	Keep Your Garage Door Closed
	Keep Your Garage Door Locked
	Make Sure Your Service Door Is Locked
	Don't Leave Your Opener Remote In Your Car
	Inspect Your Garage for Damage