When parking your car for the night, you instinctively activate the locking mechanism. In the same way, you may consider your driving habits a result of muscle memory. In the case of your car being parked in a garage with an antiquated door, this instinctual practice may provide an inaccurate sense of security.
In the United Kingdom, a garage door is typically an entry point burglars often access time and again. They utilize a garage door system as a target for entry because it is easily accessible. They certainly do not expect a burglar to use a garage door as an entry point.
What makes a garage door an easy target? The locking system is often the most vulnerable. Those garage doors with up-and-over systems over a decade old have T-handles. Such locks cannot withstand a pry bar. If your door’s original locking system is over a decade old, take it as a priority to invest in the security mechanisms of your system.
Another problem are springs that are worn out or damaged. A door that has springs that are weakened or damaged will be much easier to force open than one that is in good working order. This is because the resistance that is supposed to make the door difficult to open is gone. If the door is feeling lighter than it did in the past, this is a sign that the springs need attention.
There are also a number of security concerns that come with automatic openers. Older models use locked, fixed codes, so people with the right tools can scan the codes and open the door without your knowledge. Newer models use a rolling code system, meaning the code changes with every use. If your opener has a fixed code and is more than 10 years old, it is a good idea to get it replaced.
Some more things you can consider that aren’t as complex as the previous suggestions. These can be done relatively cheap and can be effective. If you do not already have a garage door defender, get one. These defenders are bolted to the ground and can be a genuine deterrent. Costing between £30 and £80 raid defenders can also help with compromising the lock.
For added security, install a door alarm that will alert you whenever someone opens your garage door. The good thing about garage door alarms is that they are powered by batteries, so you don’t have to worry about plugging them in. No garage door alarm will stop someone if they are determined, but they will stop someone if they are only stealing opportunistically.
Make sure that the door to your house that leads into your garage has a good lock that is sturdy and secure. Most people don’t put a good lock on that door, which means that people see getting into your garage as getting into your home.
You should have someone look at your garage door if you can see damage to your garage door, a lock doesn’t feel secure, or springs look uneven or worn. It’s worth the cost, the engineer will determine the full extent of what’s at risk, this saves you the guesswork. The cost of a service visit is less than the insurance deductible and is also less than the cost of losing a car.
Declan