Beyond conveniently accessing vehicles, garages often double as storage zones for valuables from tools to sporting equipment prized by thieves if given the chance. Unfortunately original doors rarely provide adequate security against intruders once intent on entry. After replacing countless kicked-in panels over the years, several smart upgrades merit consideration specifically boosting safety alongside normal functional improvements.
Steel protection
While timber doors seem quaint, a swift kick easily compromises framing. Switching to solid steel or steel-skinned insulated panels drastically elevates invasion resistance requiring powered cutting tools to breach, delaying unwanted entry far longer as they hack away loudly.
Locking systems
Many older garage doors lack secure locking points beyond a basic interior handle latch if present at all. Upgrading to single or double sided deadbolts, interior slide locks and padlocks hasps along bottom panels deters forceful lifting by denying leverage access.
Remote notification
Modern openers integrate door operation status notifications and alarms to homeowners away from properties via smartphones when unexpectedly breached. Some panels also include glass breakage sensors triggering sirens during attempted break-ins.
Camera monitoring
Continuous video recording of garage interiors provides both actionable theft evidence and also deters some crimes from initiating altogether upon noticing cameras present. Signage and external notifications act as additional deterrents.
Additional sensor & notification options
Further enhance protection levels by incorporating:
- Glass breakage detectors
Attach inductive acoustic sensors listening for frequencies indicating vibrating/shattering glass to enable real-time alerts.
- Infrared beam grids
“Virtual tripwire” transmitting an unseen signal detection zone across garage openings sends intrusion notices upon anyone crossing during off hours.
- Wireless accelerometers
App-triggered Bluetooth accelerometers affixing to high-theft items like bikes detect movement, sending smartphone alerts before thieves depart.
- Door ajar duration alerts
Internet-enabled garage door openers now trigger user notifications after being ajar longer than typical vehicle entry/departure needs, flagging unusual duration.
- Interconnected smart devices
Linking garage access notifications to flickering smart bulbs or blaring music inside creates distraction, uncertainty and virtual occupancy illusion further encouraging thieves to flee rather than face apparent presence and confrontation upon breaching.
The more attention focused on implementing overlapping deterrence layers inside garages, the higher probability valuables remain secure through psychological impacts even more than physical impediments alone. Make thieves hunt easier targets while you rest easier!
See something, say something
Beyond fortifying barriers, leverage communal bonds strengthening local safety. Chat with neighbours about coordinating outdoor lighting illuminating approaches to each other’s homes. Trade contact info to provide heads ups if suspicious vehicles or activity get noted when someone is away. Seek patterns – unfamiliar faces recurring plus oddly frequent garage access points to minor theft opportunities.
Conclusion
Protecting household valuables merits going beyond a cinder block wall easily scaled or typical door panels defeated in under a minute when serious criminal motivations come calling. Though no defence proves impenetrable to a determined adversary, prudent upgrades like security notifications, surveillance and reinforced barriers balanced against insurance trade-offs reasonably discourage and delay the vast majority of quick “smash-and-grab” attempts targeting conveniently accessed property contents. Choose security measures wisely!
