Home Security: Reducing The Risk of Burglary Through Your Garage in the UK

Garages are often overlooked when it comes to home security. It is, however, important to secure your garage if you want to keep your home secure in the UK.

This article aims to provide you with comprehensive and practical tips to secure your garage effectively and shed light on the importance of garage security.

In addition, we analyse the frequency and repercussions of garage break-ins in British homes. Take a closer look at the UK-specific context, including local burglary trends and legal considerations.

Understanding Garage Vulnerabilities in British Homes

Garages, detached and integrated, are frequent targets for burglars due to their perceived vulnerability. The UK’s distinct architectural landscape includes many garages, but they often lack robust security measures, making them attractive entry points for criminals.

These vulnerabilities extend to garage doors, typically weaker than main entry doors and often lack proper locks or reinforcements. Acknowledging the risks associated with different types of garages in the UK  Is crucial to understanding the potential access they provide to the rest of the house. It’s always best to consult a lock replacement specialist.

Strengthening Garage Doors

Begin the quest for garage security with the cornerstone of your garage. These are the most common types of garage doors that you will find.

Sectional Garage Doors

One of the most popular types is sectional garage doors. Created out of panel sections and connected with hinges. The door is closed and opened via wheels that are in each panel. They roll on a vertical track inside the door, opening on either side.

The hinges on the panels bend over the curved portion of the track. That helps the door sit parallel to the ceiling. There is also a set of high-tension springs. They are located above the opening and are attached via cables.

Roll-Up Garage Doors

Commercial roll-up garage doors are more common than residential ones. Nevertheless, roll-up garage doors are sometimes preferred by homeowners with space issues. This may be an option for you if your ceiling space is limited. Even the heaviest of use can be handled by these high-performance doors. If freezing, corrosion, and rust are concerns, they can be built without springs.

Slide to the Side Garage Doors

Garage doors of this style slide to the side, just as the name implies. Their opening bends to one side of the garage. Garage doors of this style were among the first to be used. Garages with limited ceiling space were designed with them in mind.

Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Side-hinged garage doors are old-fashioned designs that swing open and close from a frame where they have been hinged. They will remind me of old barn doors. The construction materials that are used for this type of garage door are usually wood. Some heavier-duty models for commercial applications use galvanised steel.

Tilt-Up/Up and Over Canopy Garage Doors

These style garage doors are made from one solid piece instead of separate sections like other garage doors. They are built with hinge mechanisms that can pivot. This allows them to tilt up into the garage. When you have one of these garage doors, they will stay out past the house when the door is open.

Tilt-Up/Up and Over Retractable Garage Doors

Unlike tilt-up canopy designs, these garage doors lift and extend completely into the garage. Rather than having a garage door going out past the front of your home, there is a frame that suspends them independently. However, you will need a lot of space to install this type of door. Additionally, they are generally more expensive than other garage door styles and can be difficult to operate.

Advanced Locking Mechanisms

A high-grade lock is a necessity when it comes to garage security. Discover how deadbolts and euro cylinder locks work in UK garages. First and foremost, it’s important to remember always to lock the entry door. A fancy deadbolt, a smart lock, or a motion sensor won’t help if your door isn’t locked to begin with.

To secure this door, it is recommended to reinforce the door’s strike plate and hang a solid core door with a strong deadbolt. Your garage entry door is a perfect spot for either a standalone door sensor or one connected to a top home security system.

Security Lighting and Surveillance Systems

Lighting in your garage is one of the most important parts of your home’s security.  Many homeowners don’t just use their garages to store their cars. Your garage can be made safer with light in a variety of ways, making it more useful and safe. Here are some tips for improving garage lighting.

How does security lighting help to prevent crime?

Home office research suggests that security lighting works to prevent crime for the following reasons:

• It can suggest evidence intruders occupy a property
• Well-positioned lighting can highlight the presence of an alarm or CCTV camera
• Well-positioned lighting can also ensure that CCTV footage is clear
• Where can you best places install security lighting?

Where to place Permanently lit lights or activated lights:

• By the entrance door. It is helpful to position the light to one side so it lights up a visitor’s face. If the light needs to go above the doorway, try not to make it too high and check that it doesn’t cause shadows over the face of anyone you are checking through a chain or spy hole.
• In a side path or alleyway, as long as this area can be seen by neighbours or passersby on the street.
• Above a gate. The light will hopefully deter any intruder trying to climb over it. Where you park your cars can help deter car theft, but make sure you don’t leave valuables, bags, etc., in the vehicle.

Alarm Systems and Their Effective Use

Alarm systems are essential to garage security. Installing an alarm system for your garage door provides more peace of mind, knowing that your valuables are better protected. In addition to deterring burglars from targeting your home, it provides comprehensive garage security.

Securing Internal Access from the Garage

The door connecting your garage to your home is more than just a passageway—it’s a crucial security point. Slide bolts can be attached to prevent the door from being lifted from the outside. Your family will be more secure if a deadbolt or programmable lock is installed on the man door between your house and the attached garage.

Awareness and Vigilance

In the UK, safety is a team effort. Responding more effectively to suspicious activity. Communication is key between the neighbourhood and the police department. Communication between the police department and the neighbourhood is key. Additionally, you’ll learn how to provide the police with the information that they need to resolve the issue.

Conclusion

Garage security is indispensable to safeguarding your home. Home security is an ongoing process requiring regular updates and maintenance.

With these comprehensive measures in place, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of burglary through your garage, ensuring your household’s safety and peace of mind.