Protect your garage with these tips to enhance your home security
The Desert Ridge Community Association has a great relationship with law enforcement. From our Community Action Officer, Jeffery Blair, to the off-duty City of Phoenix Police patrols we utilize to patrol the residential areas of the community, they keep us informed on the latest crime trends in our area. They recently reported that garages have become a more common entry point for thieves looking to break into homes.
Garages provide easy access and are often overlooked when it comes to home security. Thieves have developed various techniques to breach garage doors, making them a prime target. Once inside the garage, it is easy to break into the home without any neighbors even realizing what is going on. Understanding how these break-ins occur and taking steps to prevent them can help keep your home and family safe.
Access Through Side Doors
The majority of the homes in Desert Ridge have side doors to the garage. These doors are often less secure or left unlocked. Thieves can force open these doors, especially if they lack deadbolts. Once inside the garage, they can take their time breaking into the rest of the house.
Prevention tip – Ensure that any side doors leading into the garage are as secure as your home’s main doors. Be sure your door has a deadbolt and, if not, consider adding a door brace or security bar for extra protection. Regularly check the door frame for signs of wear and reinforce it if necessary.
Garage Door Emergency Release Cord
Another common method thieves use to gain access is the garage door emergency release cord. This involves using a stiff wire or a coat hanger between the top of the garage door and upper frame to reach in and pull the emergency release cord, which disengages the door from the opener. Once disengaged, the door can be manually lifted, allowing access to the garage.
Prevention tip – Secure the emergency release cord by using a zip tie. This makes it more difficult for thieves to access the release mechanism from outside. Be sure to use a thin enough zip tie to ensure that the cord can still be pulled from inside the garage in case of an emergency.
Leaving the Garage Door Open
The off-duty patrol officers have stated that they often see garage doors left open for extended periods of time. An open garage door can be an invitation for thieves who may use the chance to steal tools, bicycles, or even gain access to the interior of your house.
Prevention tip – Install a garage door timer that automatically closes the door after a set period, reducing the risk of accidentally leaving it open. This is especially useful for homeowners who frequently forget to close the garage door. You can also use a smart garage door opener that will allow you to both monitor and control your garage door remotely via a smartphone app.
Other Easy Steps to Protect Your Home
Why stop at the garage? Fall is a wonderful time to reevaluate the security of your entire home. Here are some reminders on how to protect your home as well as your loved ones.
Invest in a Home Security System
Installing a remote monitored home security system is one of the most effective ways to deter criminals. This includes alarm systems, security cameras, and smart locks. Visible security measures and alarm signage can significantly reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted. The right system can also help protect your home from a fire, and your family from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Not only can an alarm system give you and your loved one’s peace of mind, but most insurance companies also give a discount for having a monitored system in your home.
Enhance Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is a simple, yet effective, deterrent against crime. Criminals do not want to be seen and motion-sensor lights and well-lit entryways make it difficult for criminals to approach your home unnoticed. Consider installing lights around all entry points, including doors, windows, and garage areas.
Secure Doors and Windows
Ensure that all doors and windows are equipped with quality locks. All external doors should have deadbolts while sliding doors and windows should have security bars or pins to prevent them from being forced open. Make sure to maintain these locks to ensure they function properly.
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Building relationships with your neighbors can enhance the security of your community. Neighbors can look out for each other’s properties and report suspicious activities. Connecting with, and getting to know, your neighbors not only benefits your immediate surroundings but also brings forth a greater sense of community.
Use Caution on Social Media – Avoid publicly sharing information about your whereabouts on social media, especially while on vacation. Posts discussing your absence can make your home a target for burglars. Instead, share your experiences after you return home, and/or change your post privacy settings from ‘Public” to “Friends.”
Secure Your Delivered Packages
To prevent package theft, consider having deliveries sent to a secure location, such as a locker, commercial mailbox rental location, PO Box, or your workplace. You may even consider installing a discretely placed lockbox on your porch for packages.
As a homeowner (or renter), you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim and contribute to the safety of our community by staying informed, getting to know your neighbors, and implementing effective prevention strategies. You may even wish to consider starting a neighborhood block watch program.
If you are interested in learning how to start a neighborhood block watch program, please contact the Desert Ridge Community Association office at 480-551-4553
