With thefts and home invasions on the rise, you want to make sure your home is protected with reliable systems that can withstand an intruder’s attempt. And while most homeowners will pay extra attention to their front entrance and windows, many tend to forget about the garage.
It may be because they think the garage doesn’t have things that are easy to steal, but it’s still an entry point that you need to defend. The good news is that it only takes a few steps and minimal financial investment to improve the safety of your garage.
And to help you get started, here are a few essential tips and measures to consider:
Install a Lighting System
You probably already have a lighting system for the front entrance, but you should not ignore your garage door. Burglars like to operate in the shadows, so if your garage door isn’t under the spotlight (literally), it will become their primary target.
To keep the intruders away and to avoid your electricity bill getting too big, install motion-sensor floodlights at the garage entrance. This way, the lights will only activate when someone or something enters the action range.
Safeguard your Garage Door
Even if you’re not looking to insulate your garage, you should still install a solid door that can withstand an attempt at forced entry. However, if it’s a manual door that you have to open and close every time you use the garage, there’s a high chance you’ll forget it (or let it) in an open or semi-open position. Plus, there’s also the possibility of improper closing.
To eliminate this risk altogether, you should install a LiftMaster swing gate operator that can be controlled remotely. This way, it’s easier to operate the gate, and your home security level will increase since the system ensures the door is fully closed every time.
However, if you leave home for a longer period of time, you should also have a proper locking mechanism that ensures everything will stay in place.
Extend the Home Alarm System
If your garage door is not hooked to the main home alarm system, now it’s time to make things right! Sure, it may be annoying to have to worry about yet another system to deactivate when you get home tired after a long day at work, but it beats coming home to a burglarized property.
Plus, if you install motion and temperature sensors and connect them to the alarm and fire protection system, your house will be safer. Many house fires have their starting point in the garage, whether because of the vehicles stored in there or due to improper storage of inflammable items.
Think Like a Burglar
If you wanted to break into your house through the garage, which technique would you use? Would you try and break down the door, or is it enough to survey the house and catch a moment when the door is left open?
Also, are there any shrubberies you can use to get close to the property and hide your presence during the night, even if the floodlights get activated?
Burglars use these methods and more if they know you have something of value in the garage or that it can be an easy entry point to the rest of the house. So, to avoid any unpleasant situations, keep your garage as clean as possible.
Hide any valuables (such as tools, storage items, tech equipment, and so on) behind closed doors and avoid leaving your garage door open unnecessarily.
Key Takeaway
The garage is part of the house (even if it’s detached), so you should employ the necessary methods to protect it against unwanted guests. Overall, as long as the entry point is well-lit and the door is sturdy, you shouldn’t have any attempts.