Garage Door Security

Garage Door Security: How to Prevent Forced Entry

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When it comes to home security, most people think about front doors, alarm systems, or camera monitoring. But many homeowners overlook one of the most vulnerable entry points in the house – the garage.

Garages are frequent targets for burglars because they’re often poorly secured, hidden from view, and provide direct access to your home or valuable belongings. In this post, we’ll break down why garage doors are a common weak point and how you can secure them effectively against forced entry.

Why Garage Doors Are a Target for Burglars

Your garage might be a goldmine to thieves. Power tools, bicycles, lawn equipment, and sometimes even luxury vehicles are stored in garages. Even worse, an attached garage often leads straight into your home.

Here’s why burglars love targeting garage doors:

  • Many garages lack upgraded locks
  • Older garage doors can be forced open in seconds
  • Some automatic openers can be hacked or bypassed
  • Homeowners often leave the door between garage and house unlocked

Burglars know these weaknesses – and that’s why garage door security should be a priority.

Top Ways to Secure Your Garage Door from Forced Entry

  1. Upgrade to a Garage Door Deadbolt Lock: Standard latch locks on garage doors are easy to bypass with a coat hanger or pry bar. Installing a manual deadbolt lock adds a much stronger layer of protection. These are mounted on the inside of the garage and physically block the door from sliding open. For best results, use this lock at night or anytime you’ll be away for an extended period.
  2. Reinforce the Door Between Garage and House: If your garage is attached to your home, treat the interior door the same way you would your front door. That means:
    • Install a solid core or metal door
    • Add a deadbolt lock
    • Consider using smart access control for keyless entry
    • Keep this door locked at all times – even when you’re home
    • If someone gets into your garage, this door should not be an easy second win.
  3. Secure the Emergency Release: Thieves can reach a garage’s emergency release cord by slipping a wire or hook through the top of the door. This allows them to manually lift the door in seconds. How to fix it: Use a zip tie to secure the emergency release lever (just enough to prevent outside access but not enough to stop emergency use from the inside). Alternatively, install a garage shield to block access to the release mechanism entirely.
  4. Install Motion-Activated Lights: Garages – especially side or detached garages – are often poorly lit, making them easy targets at night. Install motion-activated floodlights above your garage doors. These not only deter intruders but also increase visibility for surveillance cameras.
  5. Use Smart Garage Door Openers Modern garage door openers come with smartphone apps that allow you to:
    • Monitor door activity
    • Receive alerts when the door opens or closes
    • Open or close your garage remotely
    • Integrate with home automation or cameras
    Bonus tip: If you forget to close the garage, many smart openers have auto-close timers to lock it down for you.
  6. Add a Garage Door Security Bar or Slide Lock Slide bolts and security bars are low-cost but high-impact reinforcements for garage doors – especially roll-up or manual ones. Once installed, they physically prevent the door from lifting, even if someone tries forcing it from the outside.
  7. Install a Security Camera Facing Your Garage Burglars avoid homes with visible surveillance. Place a camera directly above or beside your garage door, and another inside the garage if you store valuables there. Many affordable systems offer cloud-based recording, alerts, and two-way audio.

Signs Your Garage Might Be Vulnerable

  • Your garage opener is more than 10 years old
  • The emergency release cord is exposed
  • The interior door doesn’t have a deadbolt
  • There’s no interior reinforcement (bars, slide locks)
  • You leave your garage door partially open or unlocked
  • No lights or cameras near the garage area

Don't Forget: Detached Garages Need Protection Too

Detached garages are often easier to break into than attached ones. They’re more isolated, out of view, and often lack upgraded locks. Make sure you secure them with:

  • Deadbolts
  • Smart padlocks or keyless entry
  • Window film (to obscure valuables)
  • Reinforced side doors

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Garage Remote Out of Sight

If you park your car in the driveway or on the street, don’t leave your garage remote in plain view. It’s the same as leaving a house key on the dashboard.

Use a keychain remote or bring it inside with you after parking. Thieves can smash a window, grab the remote, and walk right into your garage in minutes.

Trust First Class Locksmith for Garage Door Security

At First Class Locksmith, we specialize in residential security upgrades – including garage door locks, smart access installations, and door reinforcements. Whether you’re looking to protect a detached garage, reinforce an entry door, or modernize your locking system, we’re here to help.

We offer:

  • Garage deadbolt and slide bolt installations
  • Smart garage door opener setup
  • Emergency garage door lockout service
  • Full home security assessments

Secure Your Garage, Secure Your Home

Your garage is more than a place to park – it’s a gateway to your home. Don’t let outdated locks or forgotten security measures make you a target.

Call First Class Locksmith today to schedule a garage security check or lock upgrade.