Thieves and intruders look for weak points when they’re assessing properties to break into, and if your home has a garage, then it could be that you’re giving criminals an easier way in. So, it’s important that you review the security of your garage and follow the tips below to ensure that you and the inhabitants of your home are always safe and protected:
- Rolling code technology:
Most new automatic garage door openers come with rolling code technology, meaning that you’re given a different security code each time you press the remote control. With limitless codes, the chances of an intruder being able to gain entry to your garage using a code are highly unlikely.
Does your automatic door opener have this technology? If not, see your local garage door supplier to discuss the options.
- NEVER leave your garage door remote in your vehicle:
If your car is stolen and the remote control for your garage is stashed inside it, you could be giving them an invite into your home. With rolling code technology, this is not so much of an issue, but don’t do it anyway!
- Lock it…and keep it locked:
If your garage gives entry into your home, as many do, a thief who has managed to bust into your garage will likely try to get into your home, too. However, with a secure lock such as a deadbolt on the entry point from the garage to home, you should prevent this from happening. Yes, you’ll have to use a key to get into your home, but for the security and peace of mind that it will give you, it’s well worth the minor inconvenience.
- Always keep the garage door shut:
Even if you’re at home but not in your garage, you should never leave your garage door open as you can’t see who might come along and creep into it when no one is looking.
- Wide-angle peepholes:
One of these could help if you do think you can hear someone in your garage and would prevent you from having to open the door to look, and risk being attacked.
- Cover up your garage windows:
Windows can be a nice feature on a garage, but they can make it incredibly easy for thieves to look inside and see what you’re storing in there, or from being able to assess other entry points to your home. If you must have windows, try to buy frosted ones or hang a blind or drapes to help conceal things.
- Perform regular maintenance checks:
If any part of your garage door stops working or is no longer as efficient as it was, or any other mechanisms or locks are damaged or faulty, then you must get them assessed and replaced immediately. Having a professional garage door supplier and installer perform such a maintenance check is the best idea since they will know what they’re looking for with regards to damage and will be able to get any parts replaced quickly for you.
Don’t give thieves and intruders any reason to target your home by ensuring that your garage and any other entry points to your home are as secure as possible. Talk to your local garage professional if you’re concerned about any of the security measures you already have in place or would like to have installed.