Garage Door Security: How to Stop Burglars Targeting Your Garage

Garages are an attractive target for burglars because they often contain valuable items — bikes, power tools, gardening equipment — and are frequently secured with inadequate locks. For homes with an attached garage, a garage break-in can also provide a hidden entry point into the house itself.

The most common type of garage door — the up-and-over metal door — is secured by a single T-handle lock in the centre. These standard locks are notoriously easy to force open. Upgrading to a Sold Secure garage defender or garage door lock is one of the most effective security improvements you can make.

A garage defender is a heavy-duty steel device that sits on the floor in front of the garage door and is secured with a padlock. When in place, it physically prevents the door from being opened. Garage defenders are highly visible, which acts as a deterrent, and extremely difficult to defeat.

For side-opening or pedestrian garage doors, fit a BS3621 deadlock just as you would on a house door. If your garage has windows, consider obscuring them with curtains or frosted film — if thieves can't see what's inside, they're less likely to risk breaking in.

If your garage is attached to your house with an internal connecting door, treat that door as an external door for security purposes. It should have a BS3621 deadlock and be kept locked at all times, even when you're at home. An internal garage door with a cheap lock is essentially the same as leaving your front door unlocked.

Oldham Locksmiths can supply and fit garage door locks, garage defenders, and high-security padlocks. Call 07949 139 475 for a free quote.