Garage door security: practical ways to protect your garage
Keep the door closed and locked, use an operator that holds the door shut, protect the emergency release from fishing, secure any side door and the internal door to the house, and keep remotes out of sight in the car. Sectional doors are generally harder to force than worn up-and-over doors.
Why sectional doors help
A closed powered sectional door is held down by the operator and runs in tracks on both sides, which makes it harder to lever than a worn up-and-over door. Manual doors rely on their lock, so use it every time.
Simple steps
- Do not leave the door part-open for ventilation.
- Fit a shield or use the release guard so the emergency release cannot be hooked from outside.
- Keep handsets out of sight in the car and take one indoors at night.
- Secure the side door with a good lock, and lock the internal door to the house.
- Fit a light and, if you use one, make sure any camera respects neighbours' privacy.
- Mark tools and bikes, and keep valuables out of sight from any glazing.
Glazed doors
If you choose a door with windows, consider obscured glazing so the contents of the garage are not on show.
Sources
- Police and manufacturer crime prevention advice for garages
This guide gives general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change; check with your council or a qualified adviser for your situation.