It seems like garage break-ins are becoming more and more common in certain neighborhoods. Many city-based homes have garages behind their house along alleyways. These can be popular targets for burglars, as viewing is often obscured, and lighting is minimal.

About 1 out of 10 burglars break in through your garage. Sometimes, their goal is to get into your house. Connecting doors are often left unlocked, making them an easy target. Other times, it’s the garage itself that is the burglar is targeting.

Garages can be home to a number of loose, valuable items. It’s very important that you keep your garage secure and items inside protected. Here are some simple ways to accomplish that.

Doors Closed and Locked

This should go without saying, but your garage doors should remain closed whenever you’re not in the garage. Even if it’s midday. Additionally, entry doors and windows should be locked. This includes connecting doors between the house and garage.

While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to cover garage windows. Often, burglars will scope out the inside of a garage for valuables. If they can’t see inside, it might be enough to deter them from breaking in at all.

Secure Valuables Inside of the Garage

Burglars are looking to get in and out quickly. Even if they get inside of your garage, you can stop them from getting anything of value with a little internal security.

The most valuable items in garages are typically cars, bikes, and tools. You should never leave your car keys in your garage. If you have a valuable bike, it’s not a bad idea to chain it to something within your garage. While this can seem a little tedious, it could be enough to keep someone from riding away on your costly bicycle.

As for tools boxes and tool sets, these should be secured by padlocks at night.

Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights are one of the cheapest, yet still effective ways to dissuade would be robbers. At night, thieves target areas that are obscured by shadow. A sudden burst of light can startle and scare them off. It’s a great idea to put motion lights by the entrances to your garage.

Security System

While motion lights can help surprise a burglar, they might not be enough to stop them. Also, unless you’re looking out a window at the light, you won’t know it has turned on. To really keep your garage secure, you’ll want to install a security system.

If you do install a security system, make sure to place stickers and signs by your entry points. Knowing that there is a security system in place will act as a further deterrent to robbers.

Upgrade Your Garage Door Control

Sometimes, you can forget to lock your doors or close your garage when you leave. A great way to protect against this is to install smart locks and garage door openers in your home. These modern tools allow you to monitor and control access to your home from a smart device or computer.

Additionally, they can alert you when a garage door or entry door is being opened.

For the latest in garage door opener technology, contact Springfield Overhead Door today. In addition to our wide selection of entry and overhead doors in Dayton and beyond, we sell and install high-quality garage door openers designed for your needs. Keep your home secure. Contact Springfield Overhead Door today!