If you're like most homeowners, you probably think of your garage as a place to store your car, tools, and maybe a few things you don't want cluttering up the house. But did you know that your garage could be one of the easiest ways for a burglar to break into your home?
Many people focus on securing their front and back doors but forget about the garage, which is often far less secure. If an intruder can get inside your garage, they may also be able to access your home—and they could be gone with your valuables before you even realise it.
Let's take a closer look at why garages are a favourite entry point for burglars and, more importantly, how you can make yours much more secure.
The article is written with the intention of providing useful information to our customers and visitors. The content provided is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional on premise advice by locksmith. You should not rely on the information provided in this article for making decisions. If you need help with a specific issue, please contact us for advice.
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Think about your garage door for a second. Is it made of lightweight material? Does it have an old, flimsy lock? If so, you’re not alone. Many garages have outdated doors and weak security measures, making them easy to break into.
Even side doors and back doors leading into garages are often less secure than front doors. Many homeowners don’t bother upgrading the locks or reinforcing the frames, which can make them easy targets.
Garages often provide burglars with a hidden way to break into your home. A well-lit front door might deter a thief, but a garage—especially one located on the side or back of the house—can be the perfect place for someone to sneak in unnoticed.
If your garage is attached to your home, it could also mean direct access to the rest of your house. Once inside the garage, an intruder may be just one door away from your kitchen, hallway, or even your bedroom.
Even if a burglar can’t access your home, they may still be able to make off with expensive tools, bicycles, or even your car. Many homeowners use their garages for storage, and thieves know this. Leaving valuables visible through windows or even an open garage door can make your home a tempting target.
One of the most important steps in securing your garage is making sure the main door itself is strong. Here’s how you can do it:
Pro Tip: Burglars sometimes use a simple coat hanger to reach in and pull the emergency release cord on an automatic garage door. To prevent this, you can secure the release mechanism with a zip tie or a small cover.
If your garage has a separate entrance door, treat it like any other exterior door to your home.
Garage windows are another common weak point. If an intruder can see inside, they may be able to spot valuables or even find a way to enter.
Burglars prefer to work in the dark. Installing motion-activated lights around your garage can make it much less appealing to intruders.
You can also invest in a garage security alarm. Some systems will alert you if the garage door is opened unexpectedly, and others can even connect to your smartphone so you can monitor security from anywhere.
Technology has made home security easier than ever. Smart garage door openers allow you to:
If your garage is attached to your house, securing the inner door is just as important as locking the front door.
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their garage doors unlocked. Treat your garage like any other entry point—lock it every time you leave or go to bed.
If a burglar can’t see inside your garage, they’re less likely to take the risk of breaking in. Keep expensive tools, bikes, and other valuables stored away from windows or covered with a tarp.
Leaving your garage door opener in your car might seem convenient, but if a thief breaks into your vehicle, they’ll have easy access to your home. Instead, keep your opener on a keychain or inside your house.
Another smart move? Change your garage door access code regularly, especially if you’ve ever given it to a service person or neighbour.
Your garage is more than just a storage space—it’s a potential weak spot in your home’s security. Fortunately, by taking a few simple steps, you can make it much harder for burglars to break in.
From reinforcing the doors and windows to installing smart security features, small changes can make a big difference. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about how secure your home is, a professional locksmith can help assess your setup and recommend improvements.
Don't wait until it’s too late—secure your garage today and keep your home and family safe!