When you picture the typical burglary, what comes to mind? Someone skulking in the shadows and waiting for the right time to pounce? A criminal moving from one crime to the next but only working when the moon has replaced the sun in the sky? If this is what you’re thinking, there are a few things you should know. It might be the difference between being safe and having a burglar in your own home.
Home Alone’s 2 most infamous burglars ever.
The Genuine Facts About Burglaries of Homes
What’s the truth about burglary? Delve into these statistics to find out the reality.
Based on information from Aeon Matrix:
● Rather than occurring at night, burglaries are most common in the morning and early afternoon.
● Burglaries are quick and can take less than 10 minutes to carry out.
● Instead of masked bandits, most burglars work or live near you. In fact, 65% know you personally. They also tend to stay away from houses with security.
● Where do burglars start their rampage? Usually in the master bedroom.
It might sound like you have nothing to worry about with your garage. Sure, it’s packed with stuff, but most of that is random sentimental items, gear for sports, and tools you use once in a blue moon. Besides, why would a burglar try to get into your garage? The door is massive, and people will notice it if they’re in the area. So, it doesn’t make sense to start there.
While it might not make sense to you, some burglars like to access the home this way.
Consider these numbers from Safe at Last about how a criminal gets into your house:
● 34% stroll right in through your front main entrance.
● Another 23% find a way in through a window on the first floor.
● 22% choose to hide in the shadows and get in through the back door.
● But 9% of burglars find their way into your home using the basement.
● So, what about the garage door? About 9% use it to get inside.
What Are You Forgetting?
Lots of people move out of the city into a pleasant suburban neighborhood. It feels safe. That’s part of the reason you move there.
As time passes, relaxation sets in, and we feel even safer without using the proper precautions. We leave a key hidden somewhere for the housecleaner or the kids. Maybe we began to lock the door less and less. It’s easier. It’s more convenient, and it seems fine.
And that neighbor or worker who is watching for ways to get in? They’re going to notice when you get relaxed and take advantage of it.
The List of Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim
There’s no need to set up booby traps like in the movie above. You likely don’t want to meet the burglars. What you want is for them to stay away from your home. Some easy ways to facilitate that include:
● Make sure your doors are always locked. Do the same with your windows. Don’t slip up even one time.
● Avoid hidden keys. Don’t leave one in a shed, under the doormat, or beneath a pretty rock. Someone will notice and could end up in your home. Need the kids to have a way in? Ask a trusted neighbor or a family member to keep one. They can bring it over when needed and then take it back, so it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
● Stop leaving the keys near the door. A hook or bowl near the entryway is the last place you should secure your keys. Also, you shouldn’t label them or leave the garage door remote in your car where everyone can see it. It makes it way too easy for someone to grab them.
● Watch out for doors to the patio. Locking them is a good idea. However, they’re still easy to open. So instead, add a wooden pole to the tracks. This will keep burglars from breaking open the lock and sliding the door open when you least expect.
● Introduce yourself to the neighbors. When neighbors look out for each other, there’s less crime. People know that houses nearby might notice them if they try to get into your garage. It’s even better if neighbors are on different shifts so there’s always someone to see odd going-ons. Are you introverted? The idea of making friends with strangers might be overwhelming. You don’t need to be best friends. Just ask them to watch things at your house and promise you’ll do the same.
● Get the locks changed. When you’re in a new space, change the locks. You have no idea who might have access to a spare key. Burglaries are less likely when you’re the only one with a key.
● Shut the curtains at dusk. Since burglars are from the area and choose your home because they know you have valuable belongings and it’s easy to get inside, make sure you make it harder for them to determine whether you’re awake or home.
● Add curtains to the basement and garage windows. Windows in basements and garages are great since you get more light and can create a great aesthetic. However, some of those windows are easy to peer into so don’t use transparent glass. Instead, consider Sandblasted glass so the light comes in, but you get privacy.
● Try timed indoor lights. Timed lights are great for ensuring nobody knows when you’re in or out. Go on a vacation? Have the lights come on at random times. Visiting family for the weekend? Make sure you have a few lights on along with the television. It will be a lot harder to see if you are home.
● Place motion-activated lights outside. Put them near the entrance in front. Add some near the backdoor. Include some near the garage. Lights can keep burglars away from your home. This is an inexpensive form of home security that can’t be beaten. In addition, you will have a better view when you’re outside after dark.
● Think about your landscaping. Trim any bushes or shrubs near walkways or doors. If you don’t, you make life simpler for a thief. Get rid of places where people can hide. Put down rose bushes near the windows so it’s harder to access them. Remember that your safety needs to come first.
● Look at your house with the eyes of an outsider. Look around the house while pretending you want to break in. Do you have easy entry points? Windows that are simple to open? Do you leave ladders out or otherwise create an easy way for someone to get in? Once you see what’s wrong, fix it!
● Put the valuables somewhere out of sight. Temptation might lead burglars to your home so keep expensive gadgets and belongings out of view. Put items away when they aren’t in use. It can help you avoid burglars and make your home cleaner. It’s a win on multiple levels.
● Watch out for social media. Are you out with the boys for the night? Going on a date? Spending a few days out of town? It might be fun to announce those things on social media, but it also lets people know when the best time is to break into the house. So, don’t leave your schedule on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms.
Curious how safe the house is? Read this Safeatlast blog article and find out for sure!
Okay, you’ve taken precautions. Great! But how do you prevent garage break-ins?
Does the Release Mechanism Length on the Door Matter?
A lot of contractors will recommend that you follow the information in this ColoradoRMN video. It gives you information on the best way to shorten the garage door rope with just a tie wrap.
If the rope is too long, a burglar can easily hook it between 2 door sections, grab it and pull it outside in a few seconds. Photo credit: Image from the video
However, the rope isn’t long for no reason. It’s made to keep everyone who uses the door safe!
These parts are integral to the door system and are used for emergency release. So, if you have a fire in the home or another emergency, you can get outside fast.
Avoid adding a tie wrap. Instead, you could make the rope slightly less long. You can also go with a safer method, like adding a garage trolley shield.
Why Not Choose an Automatic Garage Door Lock Instead?
All it takes is a crowbar and some force to get into many garage doors. Some handymen will also recommend adding sliding bolts inside and out by the floor. But is this the best option? It seems a bit unprofessional and could even be dangerous.
Truthfully, this is the last thing you should do. A quality garage door could last 25 years or so. Adding those holes? It’s likely to void your warranty.
Instead, consider this automatic garage door lock from LiftMaster. It locks the door as soon as you close it.
The top reasons to use this kind of lock on a garage door
1- Ultimate security: When you have a quality lock, nobody is going to get in your door without a struggle.
2- Protection you can hear: When the lock activates, you’ll hear it. It can give you peace of mind.
3- Automatic operation: It works with your opener. Activate the door opener and your door will unlock and open. It’s that easy!
4- Usable anywhere: Smartphone monitoring is easy using the MyQ app. You can see quickly that the garage is locked and secure.
Worry-free Performance. Know that your home is secured from anywhere with the MyQ App and Automatic Garage Door Lock.
Have you thought about a new garage door opener?
If you haven’t updated the garage door opener in a while, now is the time. LiftMaster has openers that include audio and video. It will make monitoring the garage door more manageable than ever before.
9 Things the 87504-267 LiftMaster Opener Can Do
1- It lets you see past activity using a seven or 30-day storage option. All you need to do is pay a monthly subscription.
2- Change the alerts to work with your preferences and lifestyle
3- View the garage door status. There’s no reason to stress about whether you left the door open when you rushed to work.
4- React to what happens in the garage. You can talk to people in the garage to leave instructions, chat, or answer questions.
5- Make sure the door is closed or open using nothing but your phone. Use it from any location.
6- Check out smartphone notifications whenever someone goes into the garage.
7- Provide access to needed individuals. Whether it’s a babysitter, handyman, or neighbor, you can let people in without dropping off your keys.
8- Enjoy seeing what happens in your garage around the clock.
9- Try out in-garage deliveries when you make online orders.
What to expect
The homeowner gets a notification “Garage door 1 opened just now” on her smart phone and sees her children and the babysitter, live on camera, as they enter the garage.
The inclusion of a camera is helpful since you can open the app and see what’s happening at any time. It offers:
● 1080 HD video with live-streaming capabilities
● 360-degree rotation that only you can control
● Extras like night vision and motion detection
The homeowner gets a notification on his smart phone and sees the neighbor as she enters his garage. “Hi, Rachel!” he says, “the ladder is hung on the left wall”.
And what does the audio offer? Plenty!
● A speaker and microphone are included for two-way communication on a live basis
● The ability to disable or enable the microphone as needed
The homeowner gets a notification on his smart phone “Alert Occurred – The garage door remains open and sees that the neighbor who walks the dog as the last to come out from the garage door.
You also get smartphone control and built-in Wi-Fi, which gives you more options.
● Easy connection to MyQ
● The option to operate the door from any location
● Sharing access and customizable alerts
● Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Tons of safety and protection features for yourself and your family
● Backup through battery – This lets you efficiently use the garage door even if you have no power
● Electronic protection – Offers security against someone trying to force their way in
● Highly secure codes – Each code is new and protected to avoid anyone getting inside
● Sensors for safety – Make sure you are protected by doors that stop when something is in the way.
● Lighting through motion detection – Provides you with a lit and bright space anytime you enter the garage.
Replacing the former LiftMaster 8550, the LiftMaster 87504-267 door opener isn’t just another opener. Like shopping online? Want secure codes to let people in? Need a camera? You get all the tech you could want. It can save you time and ensure your garage is fully secure.
Plus, people are stealing packages more now than ever. So, you’ll find in-garage deliveries become the default soon. With this opener, you’re already set up for that change.
How else can you ensure your garage isn’t an entry point for a thief?
● Be sure that you don’t leave your vehicle unlocked under any circumstances.
● Don’t leave the garage remote in the car where others can see it. Instead, slip it in a purse or a pocket.
● Be sure you reprogram all LiftMaster accessories so others’remotes won’t open the door. It’s not unheard of for someone to find an old remove and drive around trying it on all the garages. Make sure you aren’t the weak link.
Ready to get in touch with a garage door technician before moving to the next steps?
Reach out to us by phone at 705-733-1211.
For maintenance, repair, or installation of your home’s garage opener or garage door, we have the experience, knowledge, and passion for handling all your needs.
Have you decided to buy a new garage door opener or a new garage door?
When you work with Georgian Door & Gate, we’ll make sure you’re happy. First, give us a bit of information, and we can decide what products match your budget and needs. Then, we’ll give you an idea of which options might work for you.
Already know which opener or door you want to be installed?
Great! We can provide you with a simple quotation by email.
Need a bit more time to decide on your options?
You have options, like thumbing through our residential photo gallery. If you enjoy apps, you can use your smartphone to visit our Design Centre. It has everything you need to create the garage door of your dreams.
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