Most people focus on locking their front doors and securing their windows, but garages are often overlooked as a potential entry point for intruders. The reality is that garages can be one of the easiest ways for burglars to gain access to your home. Understanding how thieves break in and taking a few extra precautions can make a huge difference in home security.
Common Ways Thieves Break into Garages
Many burglars prefer breaking into a garage rather than forcing their way through a front door or smashing a window. The reason is simple—garages are usually less secure and provide a hidden space where they can work without drawing attention. Two of the most common methods involve exploiting the quick release mechanism.
The first method involves slipping a coat hanger through the top of the garage door and using it to pull the emergency release cord. Once activated, the garage door can be lifted manually, granting easy access. The second method involves breaking a small garage window. Once inside, an intruder can reach the emergency release or manually open the garage. Either way, once a thief gets inside, they can steal items from the garage or, even worse, gain entry to the main house if there is an unlocked door leading inside.
How the Quick Release Works
The quick release mechanism is a safety feature designed to allow homeowners to open the garage manually in case of a power outage or malfunction. It consists of a red cord hanging from the track. When pulled, it disengages the garage door from the automatic opener, allowing it to be lifted freely. While useful in emergencies, this mechanism can also be a security risk when left unsecured. A determined thief only needs a few seconds to trigger it and enter your garage undetected.
Ways to Secure the Quick Release
Since the quick release is the primary method burglars use, securing it is one of the best ways to protect your garage. One simple fix is to tie the cord around the garage door bar. This prevents it from being pulled from the outside, making it much harder for someone to break in. Another effective option is shortening the cord so that it’s only an inch or two long. This eliminates the possibility of someone fishing it through the door with a coat hanger. Both methods ensure that the quick release still functions when needed but is not easily accessible to intruders.
Additional Security Measures for Long Absences
For those who travel frequently or leave their homes unattended for long periods, adding an extra layer of security is a smart move. One effective method is placing a bolt through one of the holes in the garage door track. This physically blocks the door from opening, even if someone manages to pull the emergency release. Another option is installing a garage door lock or using built-in metal bars that some garage door tracks have. These barriers create a strong deterrent against forced entry and add peace of mind when leaving home for an extended time.
Taking these precautions helps eliminate some of the most common weaknesses that thieves exploit. A few simple adjustments can go a long way in keeping your garage and home safe from intruders.
