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8 Tips for Garage Door Security in Massachusetts

On October 29, 2019, In Uncategorized,

If you imagine a burglar breaking into your home, what do you see? Are they entering through a window or perhaps the front door? What about your garage? Most burglars will indeed try to break into your home through doors or windows, but nearly a tenth of burglars enter through the garage. For many homeowners, the garage is an overlooked yet highly vulnerable part of the home.

What can you do to protect your garage and the rest of your home from burglars? In this post, we’ll share garage security tips and show you how to make your garage door more secure, so you can enjoy peace of mind, whether you’re home, at work or on vacation.

How Do I Secure My Garage?

Your garage is an important part of your home and where you may store valuables such as your car, bikes, tools and other items. If your garage is attached to your home, it also serves as an entry point. With burglaries accounting for 16% of all property crimes, no one is immune to being burglarized. However, there are many steps you can take to deter burglars and keep your belongings and your family safe. Use the following tips to secure your garage door and discourage burglars from targeting your home.

1. Install Motion-Activated Lighting

One way to deter burglars from breaking into your garage is to install a motion sensor light. A motion detector light will turn on the moment a burglar steps within its field, and it will stay on for however long you set the timer. A burglar will be less likely to break into your garage if someone can easily spot them.

Consider placing a motion sensor light above your garage door and positioning it so that it floods your driveway with light. Most light detectors allow you to adjust how close someone needs to be to trip the sensor, so you don’t have to worry about the light turning on every time someone passes your house.

2. Block the Emergency Release Handle

The emergency release handle allows you to open your garage door manually. Burglars can break into your garage in seconds by sliding a hanger through a gap in the door and hooking onto the release to unlock it. You can easily fix this problem by looping a zip tie through the hole where the release cord hangs down. This will block the hanger and keep it from hooking onto the release.

3. Cover Your Windows

You’ve probably heard the saying out of sight, out of mind. Burglars will be more likely to break in if they can clearly see valuables in your garage. One way to keep burglars from peeking inside is to frost or tint your windows or hang curtains — whatever it takes to keep your valuables out of sight.

4. Maintain Your Garage Door

Regularly inspect your garage door and make sure the hardware and the door itself are in good condition. Any damaged parts or weak spots in your garage door can make it easier for burglars to break in. If your garage door is several years old and not in the best shape, consider replacing it with a new door. You want a garage door that’s solid and strong and can resist someone trying to break in.

5. Buy a Keychain Remote Opener

Many homeowners keep the garage door opener in their car for convenience, and most burglars know this. A burglar may break into your car so that they can open your garage. To keep your vehicle and your home safe, invest in keychain garage door opener and keep it with you at all times.

6. Install a Garage Door Alarm Sensor

Nothing’s better for deterring a burglar than a garage door security system. The mere presence of an alarm system can be enough to scare a burglar away. For example, according to a University of North Carolina study that involved interviews with more than 400 convicted offenders, about 83% of burglars try to determine if there’s an alarm system before attempting a burglary. If they discovered a security system, 60% of the surveyed offenders said they would move onto another target.

Consider installing a security system for your entire home, including your garage, which includes door and window sensors and motion detectors. You might also consider installing a surveillance camera so you can monitor your home from your computer, TV or smartphone. Make sure to place alarm signs outside for burglars to see.

If you already have a home alarm system, make sure your garage door is connected to the system. You can install a garage door security sensor that is compatible with your current system. A garage door sensor will show you if the garage door has been opened on your security panel.

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7. Keep Your Garage Door Closed

Sometimes, when you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to forget to close your garage door. Or, maybe you have a habit of leaving your garage door open while you work in the yard or run a quick errand. An open garage door allows a burglar to spot something they want, quickly grab it and run. Most burglaries occur in just a few minutes, so it can happen when you least expect it.

Someone might also see a valuable item in your garage as they pass by and plan a burglary for a different time. For these reasons, aim to keep your garage door closed, even if you only leave home for a few minutes. You can install a timer to automatically close the garage door for you so that you don’t even have to think about it.

8. Play the Radio

A simple way to deter burglars is to keep a radio on while you’re away from home. A burglar may think someone is in the garage if they hear some sort of activity inside. This is a helpful trick to use during the day when you’re at work or out running a few errands.

Benefits of Installing Alarm Sensors in Your Garage

Making your garage a part of your home security system is a layer of protection you don’t want to forget. Installing a security alarm for your garage:

  • Deters burglars
  • Notifies police or security professionals if burglars attempt to break in
  • Protects your valuables inside your garage
  • Prevents burglars from breaking into your home if your garage is attached
  • Saves you the cost of replacing stolen items or damaged property
  • Allows you to monitor your garage remotely
  • Brings you peace of mind no matter where you are

Contact Wayne Alarm Systems for Garage Security

Your home should be a place where you feel safe and comfortable at all times, whether you’re in the garage or upstairs sleeping. At Wayne Alarm Systems, we understand your need to keep your home and your family safe from intruders. We also understand that home security options can feel overwhelming. We’re here to simplify the process and help you make the right choice.

At Wayne Alarm Systems, we’ve been recognized for over 40 years for exceeding industry standards while delivering exceptional service to customers throughout Massachusetts and beyond. To learn more about our security systems and how we can help you find the best solution for your home, contact us today!

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