Garage Door Security & Tips to Prevent Home Invasions

Garages are prime targets for theft, and infamously easy to break into if not properly secured. With burglaries of residential properties accounting for about 72% of all burglary offenses in the United States, you can never be to too careful. Luckily, the North Shore team has decades of experience in the industry and we’re here to bring you the best anti-theft solutions to keep thieves walking so you can have peace of mind.

Why Invest in Garage Door Security?

According to the FBI, 56% of burglaries involved forcible entry, with an average dollar loss per robbery being a whopping $2,661. That’s nothing to scoff at, and burglars have an arsenal of know-how to easily break into a garage that is not properly secured. Once inside an attached garage, burglars can use common garage tools like crowbars and screwdrivers to get past your door and into your home, or if you’re one of the 30% of homeowners who don’t lock the door, they can walk right in. It’s not a comforting thought, but a few tweaks to your garage’s security system can stop thieves in their tracks!

Check Your Opener

Old and outdated garage door openers are easier to infiltrate compared to newer models that have technology better equipped to deal with hackers. Many older models utilize dipswitch technology, which has a fixed code hackers can guess through trial and error in less than half an hour—with a children’s toy no less!

Checking if you have a dipswitch opener is easy, as its remote will also feature dipswitches. If you open up your remote and find the technology present, your garage is at risk for a break-in. Luckily, most modern garage door openers have automatic technology with a rolling code that changes each time you use your remote, which removes this major design flaw. In addition to increased home security, newer openers also tend to use less energy and operate at quieter levels than older models.

Check Your Keypad

Older keypad’s can also run the risk of using dipswitch technology, but newer models have evolved to utilize rolling codes to protect against hackers. Be sure to use a strong password potential hackers cannot easily guess, and change it every few months for good measure.

Opt for Faux Windows

One of the best ways to deter thieves from breaking into a garage is not giving them an incentive to! Thieves target items of value like lawnmowers and tools, which are often easy to spot through a garage window. Covering up your window with paper to block the interior is an option, but it can look tacky from the curb and certainly won’t fly in HOA neighborhoods!

 Luckily, Coach House Accent’s screw-in faux windows combine safety with style. Made with highly reflective automotive plastic that looks like regular windows from the curb, you can have the look of real windows without the risks that come with leaving your interior visible to unwanted visitors.

Work SMARTER, Not Harder

While you can go to great lengths to prevent a break-in, there’s always a chance you’ll be targeted. Before you grab your binoculars and camp in the bushes waiting for the worse, the Smart technology that comes with many newer garage door openers enables you to monitor the door 24/7 from your phone! You can be alerted whenever the door opens and closes, and can even operate the door remotely in the event your child or extended family may arrive home before you.

Install Additional Door Locks

Having a secure garage opener and code can stop thieves from hacking into your garage, but trespassers can still force their way inside by lifting your door on strength alone. Installing an automatic garage door lock deadbolts your garage door and prevents thieves from muscling their way inside. The 841LM from LiftMaster works automatically with your garage door opener so it always locks and unlocks with every operation of the door. Many models of locks also include Smart capabilities so you can control them from your phone. With a lock on each side of the door, the 841LM can also protect your door against high winds and storms and can be released manually when needed.

Twist Security in Your Favor

For your safety, garage door systems include an emergency release lever that can open your door in the event of a power outage or other inconvenience. Unfortunately, with a mere coat hanger and practice, a thief can trigger the release in minutes! Luckily, installing an inexpensive zip tie can prevent the release from being triggered by a well-placed hanger, but will break when triggered from the inside so the emergency function will work as intended. One of the most crucial items to protect yourself is probably already in your garage!

Install Motion-Activated Lights

Light up the area around your garage door with motion-activated lights to deter potential intruders and improve visibility. Bright lights that turn on automatically when motion is detected can startle trespassers and make it easier for you to spot any suspicious activity around your garage.

Consider Security Cameras

Security cameras compliment lights by monitoring activity and recording any potential break-ins or suspicious happenings. Visible cameras can also deter would-be burglars, while also providing valuable evidence in the event of a burglary. Consider high-definition cameras with night vision capabilities for the best surveillance coverage.

Secure Garage Windows

If your garage has windows, ensure they are properly secured to prevent thieves from slipping inside. Install window locks, security bars or shatter-resistant film to make it harder for burglars to break in through the windows.

Stay Alert

Keep an ear out for new methods robbers are using to bypass security and break into homes to ensure your garage can counteract them. Also be sure to inspect your garage system at least twice a year to ensure everything is working properly and to spot potential weaknesses thieves can exploit.

Burglars are always evolving, but so are the garage brands committed to protecting your home! By keeping up with the latest technology and staying alert, you can make your garage nearly impenetrable!

Go Further with North Shore!

After ramping up your garage’s security, why not take it to greater heights by checking out our array of optional garage accessories? Also, stay on top of any potential garage issues by reading our Guide to Garage Door Maintenance.

Still Curious About Action’s Extensive Line of Products?

Please ask! Our in-house customer service team can help you with your questions on all things security along with the best products on the market. Get in touch with our support crew:

• Call: 800-783-6112
• Email: support@northshorecommercialdoor.com