The garage is often the most vulnerable and lucrative part of any home. While we spend time securing the front door with deadbolts and sophisticated intercoms - the garage, packed with power tools, bikes, and perhaps even a second fridge - is often secured by a flimsy side door and a remote control left on the car visor. Your garage is a prime target for theft, often housing thousands in tools and gear.

That burglar isn’t wrong. Most thieves know the garage is the easiest point of entry. To truly fortify this vulnerable entry point and protect your valuables, you need to look beyond simple locks.

At Secure On Australia, we help you think like a burglar so you can beat them at their own game! Here's 7 crucial steps you need to take to eliminate the easy access points.

Tips to prevent garage break-ins

• Lights that fight back
• Trim your hedges
• Stop leaving the door open
• Don't advertise what you have
• Mind where you place your remote in your vehicle
• That side door is often the property's weak point
• Lock the door to your house

About Secure On Australia

Are you looking to secure your home or business? Managing your safety shouldn't be complicated. Secure On provides high-quality security cameras and surveillance systems tailored for Australian properties. Whether you need remote monitoring or 24/7 recording, find the reliable equipment you need to protect what matters most.

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1. Lights that fight back

   Thieves hate attention. A standard motion sensor light helps, but there's better tech available now.

   We fit Hikvision ColorVu "Live Guard" cameras that do more than just record. These things capture full-color footage even at night, and if someone's lurking near your garage door, the camera can trigger a strobe light and blast a warning message through a speaker. Most opportunistic thieves won't stick around after that.
   
   The one we use most often is the Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2-LSU/SL. It's not cheap, but it actually stops people before they try anything.

2. Trim your hedges

   Overgrown bushes near doors and windows? That's a burglar's best friend. They can work on your lock completely hidden from the street.
   
   Walk around your property and look at it honestly. If you can't see your garage door clearly from the road, neither can your neighbours. Cut back anything that provides cover.
   

   Bonus tip

   Plant something low and thorny under the windows. Rose bushes work great. No one wants to crouch in a rose bush.

   
   

   
   
   

   3. Stop leaving the door open

   We all do it. Rush out in the morning, forget to close the garage door, realise it hours later.
   
   The fix is simple: get a smart sensor for the door. We use the Hikvision AX PRO Wireless Door Detector (DS-PDMCK-EG2-WB). If you leave and the door's still up, you'll get an alert on your phone. If you've got a smart opener, you can close it remotely. Problem solved.

   4. Don't advertise what you have

   Some garages have windows. But if passersbys can see your expensive mountain bike or your full snap-on tool chest through that window, you're basically putting up a sign that says "Rob Me."
   
   Frosted film or blinds are the simple and easy answer. But also make sure your cameras can actually see properly. A decent 4K camera with Wide Dynamic Range handles tricky lighting such as bright sun, car headlights, etc. If someone does try to break in, you want footage that's actually useful.
   
   
   
   

   5. Mind where you place your remote in your vehicle

   Stop leaving your garage remote clipped to the sun visor. If your car gets broken into, congratulations, the thief now has access to your house.
   
   Either put the remote on your actual keychain, or ditch it entirely. Install a keypad outside or a smart lock.

   6. That side door is often the property's weak point

   The little door you walk through? That's where they're coming in. Most of them have basic locks that'll give way with one solid kick.
   
   First, upgrade the physical security - heavy-duty strike plate with proper long screws. Then add a Hikvision AX PRO Door Contact Sensor (DS-PDMC-EG2-WB). It's wireless, barely visible, and if someone forces that door open, your alarm goes off immediately.

   7. Lock the door to your house

   If they do get into the garage, don't make it easy for them to walk straight into your kitchen.
   
   That door between the garage and your house should be treated like your front door. Solid core, proper deadbolt, and always locked. Always. Add another door contact sensor here too - it's your last line of defense.
   
   If you've got a video intercom system inside, position the indoor station near this door. Makes it easy to check who's at the front without pulling out your phone.