By Tim Schaefer
Garage break ins are an unfortunate reality, but there are ways you can secure your garage to help prevent it from happening. Here’s a list of ten ideas from fellow Hillhurst & Sunnyside residents that you may want to consider. The ideas have varying levels of complexity and cost. You may want to tackle some yourself and others you may want to seek help.
Stay safe and secure everyone!
Deadbolt - Install a deadbolt on your garage walk-in door. Most doors will have a deadbolt but if yours only has a lock on the door knob then it's time to upgrade.
Longer screws - Standard door hardware comes with short screws that could easily fail in a forced entry situation. Replace the screws used to install the strike plate (metal plate on door frame) with longer screws (3” or greater).
Garage Door Deadlock - Similar to a deadbolt on a walk-in door, a deadlock is a mechanical lock that goes on your garage vehicle door. Engage the deadlock with a padlock overnight or when you are going to be away for extended periods.
Secure items inside your garage - Keep your vehicle locked inside your garage and don’t leave your keys in your vehicle. If you store bicycles, scooters or other items that are commonly stolen, secure them with further measures inside your garage.
Window Security Bars & Covering - If your garage has windows, consider installing security bars to discourage a break-in through the window. Covering your windows is also a good idea to prevent thieves from looking inside.
Cut power to your garage door motor - Immobilize your garage door’s motor anytime it’s not being used by pulling the plug or breaker. This will prevent someone from getting in if they get a hold of your garage remote. It will also slow thieves down if they manage to get inside. If it’s not practical to unplug the motor, try installing a smart plug or a separate remote switch to make it easy. Reminder: Never leave your garage remote in a vehicle parked outside overnight.
Disable or Block the Safety Latch - There are many YouTube videos showing how thieves can push in your garage door from the outside and then reach in with a coat hanger and open it by releasing the safety latch. Those same videos demonstrate ways you can disable or block your safety latch; making it impossible for thieves to use this trick. The safety latch is there for obvious safety purposes, so review things carefully before deciding what changes you make to the safety latch.
Outward swing door - Consider installing a walk-in door that opens outwards instead of inwards into the garage. Inward opening doors are prone to being kicked in.
Alarm system - If your home already has an alarm system, consider adding sensors to your garage. You could also add an alarm exclusively for your garage. Lots of do-it-yourself alarm options available with varying features and capabilities. Placing alarm system stickers on your garage doors can also act as a good deterrent too!
Smart Home features - If your house has smart home functionality set up, such as cameras or smart-switches, you may want to add smart features to your garage. That way you can be notified when things are not as they should. For example, you could be notified anytime your garage door has been opened.
Here are some bonus ideas to keep in mind:
Hide away wire/bolt cutters - Don’t give thieves a hand up by leaving tools around they can use to steal your stuff or break in somewhere else. Wire cutters, bolt cutters or other tools of the trade should not be left out or easily found in your garage.
Avoid “show-boating” - Don’t leave your garage door open for extended periods, even if you are there. Many thieves scope things out first and you may be setting yourself with everything on display.