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Garage doors, those quintessential parts of residential neighborhoods, have a guilty secret: They're one of the most common ways burglars find access to a home.
Criminology and criminal justice professor James Lynch, at the University of Maryland, told CNET that many of us forget to lock garage side doors, or even leave garage doors open after a hectic morning. More rarely, thieves try to spoof signals from garage door openers or look for easy break-in points rather than trying the more fortified front door.
Protect yourself from these and other problems with basic garage door maintenance and technology, whether you want to add smart home devices or just practice better garage safety.
Our tips below cover the best ideas and tech you can use.
Smart garage door openers are an option for newer garage doors.
Meross/CNET1. Upgrade to a smart garage door
A smart garage door replaces previous opening devices with smart versions that tap into your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and phone apps for greater control. You can set schedules, get notifications if your garage door is left open, and control the door from anywhere -- usually for less than $100. These systems also let you set timers for automatic closing (say, after 30 minutes).
Many smart garage openers can also connect to voice assistants or home security systems. Always check compatibility with your current garage door before you pick one. This Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub ($30) is an affordable retrofit option, or you can choose a full motor replacement like this quiet Chamberlain MyQ model ($257). But you can shop and compare other great options as well.
2. Plug your garage door into a smart plug
There's one problem with smart garage doors: Retrofits often work only with newer garage door models. Since garage doors can last decades, that leaves a lot of users out in the cold. But there's an alternative. If your garage door plugs into a traditional outlet (typically on the ceiling by the motor), then you can try installing a smart plug accessory like this all-purpose Leviton plug ($28).
Motor reactions to a smart plug can vary a little, but they can usually allow you to shut the garage door off completely when you're gone so no one can trick it into opening. Some may even allow you to open or close the garage door by turning the motor on and off (though this is hit or miss). It's a bit of extra security if you're worried about more-persistent thieves.
Smart plugs can be used around the house, including in the garage.
3. Get a smart lock for your garage side door
Garage side doors or inside entrance doors are a frequent target for burglars, since it's so much easier to forget to lock them. They also tend to have weaker locks and lack deadbolts, so they're easier to force open, which is one of the most popular options for burglary.
Turn this vulnerability into a security success by equipping garage doors with a smart lock that you can monitor and lock from anywhere, as well as setting locking schedules or pass keys. You can find smart lock handles like this Schlage Encode model ($240) that work without the need for a deadbolt, too, giving your home more-complete protection.
4. Install a door opener with a rolling code
Modern garage door controllers use what's called a "rolling code" or an electronic signal that changes as it's used. That prevents anyone from hacking it with a signal imitator or knock-off wireless opener.
If your garage door is 10 years old or older, it may not have a rolling code system, in which case you can replace it with a new version. For folks who want to avoid app management, it doesn't have to be high tech and Wi-Fi ready -- it just needs this important upgrade. You may be able to save big bucks by simply replacing your garage opener remote with a new universal model, such as this 4-button Genie remote ($25).
If you aren't sure whether your garage door controller uses a rolling code, pop it open. If it's still using the old tiny tab system inside, it doesn't have an electronic rolling code.
If your garage door is a few decades old it's an excellent candidate for security upgrades.
Getty Images5. Lock garage windows (and maybe add some shades)
If your garage door has windows, especially larger side windows, they could be a target for trespassers looking to break in or cause mischief. Our advice is to make sure they have a lock and keep them locked. You may want to open them when using the garage in summer or working on a hobby, but otherwise leave the window locked.
If you're worried about people spying through the window, we suggest a cheap pull-down shade like this blackout model for $30, which allows you to block the window when you want and let the light in when you're spending time in the garage.
6. Use a track lock if necessary
Garage door track locks are simple bolts you can install on the wall beside a garage door so the bolt slides through slots in the track the door runs on. When the bolt is closed, no one can manually push the garage door up by force. It's a handy security addition if you're worried about leaving the garage door alone while on long vacations, etc. You can find them for around $15.
Extra note: If you live in a very cold area, freezing temperatures can make the metal parts of your garage door brittle. Track locks aren't usually at risk of breaking, but if someone tries to force open the door, important components could snap. The primary garage spring on older doors is especially at risk. As always, deterrence is the best option.
Amazon's new Blink Floodlight Camera mount.
Blink7. Add a security camera with floodlights
A floodlight security camera fits perfectly above the garage door and accomplishes several tasks at once. It can detect motion and recognize humans, then send you alerts if a person is approaching. Models like this wireless Arlo floodlight cam ($160) can trigger powerful LED lights when a person is near, which is often enough to warn away trespassers.
These cams also have live views so you can see if someone is heading around the side of the garage, as well as two-way audio so you can call out anywhere unfamiliar. And though facial recognition isn't necessary, plans like ADT's Trusted Neighbor with a Google Nest camera let the cam recognize familiar faces, too. At the least, you can position the cam to check if the garage door was left open.
8. Don't keep anything too valuable in your garage
If you're seriously concerned about a garage break-in, avoid keeping valuable items in your garage. Do a sweep of your current garage contents to see if there's anything particularly expensive out there. If you really need to keep pricey items in a garage, like hobby tools, high-end tool sets, or other things, you can use a home smart safe such as this all-purpose Yale safe with Bluetooth ($250) to keep them protected.
For additional help in home protection, take a look at our pieces on deterring burglars, home security myths vs. facts, and the best DIY home security systems for an easy upgrade.