Can burglars Open Garage Doors?
We have noticed since COVID 19 that garages and sheds are being targeted across Surrey. Perpetrators are increasingly taking advantage of the fact that garages and sheds present an opportunity of easy access and often some high value items.
How Can I Make My Garage Door More Secure?
Master Locksmith are qualified security specialists experienced in fitting, opening and changing all lock types and installing high security systems. A local member can be found at https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/
They can carry out security survey and will advise you on the best security measures for your garage. It is important to look at each situation individually to obtain the most suitable solution.
What is the Most Secure Type of Garage Door?
Garage security measures required vary in each individual case. It will depend on several factors including the style of garage doors you have. A typical ‘up and over’ garage door lock may not be sufficient if you are storing high value items. In this case additional door bolts may be required to give you extra security. Another way of achieving increased security is to install a garage defender which is fitted along the ground and restricts the opening. This can make a great difference.
High quality garage door locks are usually enough however some situations call for specialised security doors. This is usually in high-risk areas or where a garage holds remarkably high value items. For advice on buying garage security doors contact a garage door installation specialist.
These doors should be to PAS24-2022 or LPS 1175 tested doorsets if this is the case please contact me for further advice.
Fit window locks to any windows use net curtains or tinted film to obstruct the view into the garage.
Garage Security Measures
These are key areas you may wish to consider.
External garage door locks and installation of security locks for windows Internal door locks to your home from your garage these should be to BS3621 standard – particularly on fire doors which are not designed with security in mind. Any additional measures should not compromise the installed fire protection of the doorset.
Security roller shutter door installation to LPS1175 or PAS24-2024
Security systems that lock items to the floor or walls – such as machinery or bikes. Such as shed shackle https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/accessories/bike-storage/bike-storage-systems/pragmasis-shed-shackle-review
How Do I Protect My Garage from Thieves?
If you do have a garage and consider the contents you may find the value really adds up. These are just some of the items that people store in their garage.
- Vehicles
- Freezer / fridge
- Tools
- Bicycles
- Sports equipment
- Machinery
- Golf clubs
- Camping gear
- Furniture
- Toys
- Baby equipment
- Lawn mowers
- Chemicals
- The list goes on…..
Loss of these items may not seem as significant as the loss of jewellery or other items in the home but if they did go missing it would cause you significant inconvenience, expense and annoyance, enough to make it well worthwhile investing in appropriate garage security locks.
Here are some examples of devices that you could consider.
Fitting additional external security devices:
If you have a pedestrian entry door you can secure the garage door from the inside. You can use a padlock on the vertical track to prevent it from being opened. You should be able to locate holes in your vertical track where you can thread the padlock. If you cannot find holes, then you can drill them yourself, although you can run the risk of damaging the vertical track.
This shows an internal fitted sliding bolt that could be attached to the inside surface of the garage door and locked in place.
Police Preferred
Sold secure products have been tested and have achieved a security rating of either Gold, Silver or Bronze. The following link takes you to the locks and devices that have achieved this standard.
https://www.soldsecure.com/approved-product-search?standard_grades=&keyword=garage&product_types=
Other security measures that have not been tested to police preferred standard.
https://www.atlanticfabrications.co.uk/shop/garage-door-security-bar-heavy-duty/
If you need any further guidance please contact me.
Stephen Cake, Surrey Police, Western DOCO
Stephen.cake1@surrey.pnn.police.uk
