Garage doors are the perfection of modern convenience. A several hundred pound door that opens and closes at the touch of a button, so easy to use you don’t even have to get out of the car. The garage door is the biggest door in your house and protects not only the thousands of dollars of inventory in your garage, but access to your entire home as well. That’s why they are so tempting to thieves. If you’re not careful, a garage door can become a serious security reliability. Here are a few things you can do to keep your garage door secure and safe from thieves.
Hide Your Garage Door Opener
Far too many people store their opener in their car — sometimes even in plain sight! All it takes is a good size rock through a window to access it and then have complete access to everything in your garage. Never store your opener in your car. Keep it on a keychain or in your purse. It’s an invitation for thieves.
Update Your Garage Code
It’s a good idea to update your garage door code on a regular basis. Set a reminder on your calendar to change it at least every six months. This will keep the same numbers from wearing down on a door pad so your code doesn’t become too obvious.
Going Away on Vacation? Install a Side Lock
If you are ever going to be away from home on a vacation, it’s a good idea to install a secondary side lock. This is a lock you can’t open by remote. It must be opened by hand. You wouldn’t want this for everyday use, but when you are away from home, it’s gold.
Keep a Light On
It’s a good idea to install ample lighting on the outside of your garage to deter thieves. Dark driveways are an opportunity. If the front of the garage is lit by motion detector lights, this can scare off burglars.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to install motion detector lights on the inside of your garage as well. Not only will this increase safety and convenience since you’ll never have to worry about turning on a light when you get home, but it can scare away thieves.
Invest in Security Cameras
Security cameras have gotten cheap these days. You can install a quality camera for less than $50. These cameras can record to the Internet so you can view the footage remotely. It’s also a good idea to advertise the camera’s presence. This too can scare of thieves from trying anything in the first place.