Garage break-ins: a rising trend among thieves
In a bid to safeguard your prized possessions stored in the garage, it's essential to fortify your defences against burglars. According to Victoria Police, unlocked side doors are the most common entry point for intruders, making it crucial to secure these areas effectively.
Modern homes often feature an entry door into the main house from the garage. It is recommended to ensure this door has a lock and is used whenever leaving the property. Keeping trees and shrubs tidy near entry points to garages and side doors can also help deter burglars, as they often use foliage for cover during a break-in.
Garages typically store highly sought-after items such as power tools, lawnmowers, bikes, sporting equipment, and entertainment equipment. To protect these items, it is advised to line the storage cage with plastic sheeting or similar to deter potential offenders.
One of the key measures to improve garage security is keeping your garage door closed and locked consistently. Smart garage door systems can automatically close and lock the door, as well as send reminders if it’s left open, reducing opportunities for burglaries of opportunity.
Using a smart lock on the garage door or entry door is another effective strategy. These locks ensure the doors are locked at all times, with features like auto-lock after inactivity and access history monitoring.
Avoid garage doors with transparent or frosted glass that allow visibility into the garage; if you have windows, cover them with window film or curtains to prevent burglars from seeing inside and spotting valuables.
Installing motion-activated lights outside the garage is also a deterrent, as these lights turn on only when someone approaches, making burglars more visible and reducing darkness to hide in.
Reinforcing the garage door’s emergency release latch is necessary to prevent quick unauthorised entry while preserving emergency function. Using protective plates instead of hacks like zip ties that can cause safety hazards or void warranties is recommended.
Consider adding a security camera system covering the garage area to monitor activity and provide evidence if a break-in occurs. These also act as a deterrent.
Reinforce door frames, hinges, and locks with heavy-duty materials such as hardened steel hasps, tamper-proof bolts, longer screws, and supplemental deadbolts to create multiple physical barriers against forced entry.
Secure your smart garage door opener by using strong, unique Wi-Fi passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to prevent hacking vulnerabilities.
By combining visible deterrents (locked doors, motion lights, cameras) with concealed reinforcements (protective plates, strong locks), you create layered security that significantly reduces the risk of burglary to your garage and stored valuables.
Remember, it is also important not to let a car follow you through a garage gate unless you are sure that they are a resident. It is also advised not to leave the garage remote in the car, and it is recommended to ensure the door between the garage and home is always locked. An automatic garage door closer is suggested to close the garage door automatically after a certain period, and an automatic garage door lock that deadbolts the garage door every time it is closed is recommended.
Lastly, be aware that burglars are narrowing their targets down to a specific street or area. Therefore, it's essential to remain vigilant and secure your home effectively. The self-assessment tool "How Safe Is My Place" can help understand the safety of a home from burglary and suggest ways to improve security. Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Chief Executive Officer Bambi Gordon emphasises the importance of these measures in protecting your property.
Implement a comprehensive home-and-garden strategy that includes securing your garage entry door with a lock and reinforcing the garage door itself. By fortifying both the door and the door frames, hinges, and locks with heavy-duty materials, you'll create multiple physical barriers against forced entry, thereby contributing to your home-and-garden lifestyle's general safety.
Also, consider general-news trends related to home security, such as smart garage door systems that automatically close and lock the door, using smart locks on both the garage door and entry door, and securing your smart garage door opener with strong, unique Wi-Fi passwords. Staying informed about these advancements can help keep your home, garden, and valuables safe from crime-and-justice issues.
