Summer is great.
Once you get past the mosquitoes, sunburn, and that Oklahoma humidity, it’s all swimming pools and backyard barbecues.
For a lot of families, summer also means vacation. And vacation means an empty home—a vulnerable home.
Of all the entry points to your house, your garage is one that a lot of people overlook. The overhead door is heavy, of course, but that doesn’t mean that a crafty burglar can’t find a way in.
So whether you’re just taking a weekend away or heading out of the country for two weeks, we’ve compiled this list of security tips to keep ne’er-do-wells from breaking in through your overhead door.
Block Line of Sight
Thieves tend to case a joint before they break in to get the best idea of what they can score and what security measures the homeowner has taken. If your garage overhead door has windows, finding a way to prevent would-be burglars from looking in can go a long way towards deterring crime.
For starters, if they can’t see that expensive power tool set you’ve got hanging on the wall, or those shiny new bikes, they are less likely to break in. Additionally the fear of the unknown is usually good enough to convince a criminal to pass on to the next house in search of a more vulnerable target.
If you can afford them, frosted windows are a good security measure to block line of sight. But you can achieve the same effect with interior curtains or even some cardboard duct taped over the windows.
Lights On!
Remember, burglary prevention is all about making your home not look like an easy target. If a thief is casing a neighborhood, they are going to aim for the most vulnerable prey on the block.
Light is one of the simplest ways to make your overhead door look less vulnerable. Installing motion sensored lights above your garage will surprise and scare off thugs looking to break in. There are even lights that strobe when activated, a little security technique that attracts attention from passers by to even further deter crime.
Secure Your Garage Door Openers
So this one seems pretty simple, but is often overlooked.
If you are leaving any vehicles in the driveway while you’re on vacation, make sure you lock the remote garage door opener in the house. Otherwise, all a thief has to do is bust open your car window and they’ve got free reign of the garage.
Hiding it in the glove box or trunk isn’t good enough, as a burglar is likely to search these places for valuables anyway.
Change Your Passcode
It’s also a good idea to change your passcode on your wall opener before you head out of town. Unfortunately, sometimes it is the people we trust most who take advantage of us. Just be sure to keep track of your new code so that you don’t lock yourself out!
We hope you enjoy all your summer travels this year. Remember to travel smart, and take proper measures to keep your garage overhead door secure while you’re out of town.
If you are looking to upgrade your door to a more secure model before you start your travels, give us a call. We’ve been a trusted name in the garage door business in Oklahoma City and the surrounding area for more than fifteen years.
