Garage Locks and Security

Lock Guy is a professional locksmith operating in Essex and specialises in all types of household locks, locking mechanisms and general security. Based on direct experience, this article specifically covers Garage Locks and Security. It’s designed to promote awareness of certain issues and offers practical advice about how to improve garage security.

Garages can get overlooked when thinking about security. Understandably, people tend to prioritise protecting their home when thinking about locks and security measures.

However, thieves will often focus on garages as they believe there may be valuable possessions in there that are not well protected.

People often store in their garages things like power tools, bicycles, lawnmowers, sports equipment and of course even vehicles. All of which are desirable for a burglar.

Also, in the case of integrated garages, it can be an easier to gain access to a person’s home through the garage rather than through another door.

Be aware of garage security weaknesses

A burglar looking to target a garage will typically look for weaknesses, for example:

Old doors that are not as secure as more modern ones
Old style (‘wafer’ operated) locks that can be easily picked or drilled out
Doors with only one locking point that can be attacked with a crow bar

Wafer operated lock

Typical Up and Over Garage Lock

Euro cylinder lock can be upgraded

The type of garage door should be considered. A typical ‘up and over’ garage door and 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.

Modern garage doors come with a number of security features that usually come as standard. They often come with two locks (one on each side) and strong bars to protect the locks from being pried open from the outside. The main lock is likely to have an ‘anti-snap’ high security Euro-cylinder lock, which protects it from snapping and drilling attacks. Read my article on High Security Euro Cylinders for more details.

Even if it is an older garage door with an inferior lock, there are still relatively inexpensive upgrades that can be done. For example, the euro cylinder barrel can be upgraded.

Or additional locks can be added (see image opposite)… or just adding a bolt or hasp & staple can be effective.

Another way of achieving increased security is to install a ‘garage defender’ which is fitted to the ground and restricts the opening with a physical barrier.

Automatic electronic garage doors

Automatic electronic doors are also becoming more commonplace. Although this is a more expensive option, these doors do generally give an improved level of security as they have extremely secure locking mechanisms. A locking system in an automatic door is designed to constantly push the door downwards, until it is activated by pressing the remote.

It is not just garage door security that needs to be addressed. Some garages have windows and it is important assess the possibility of intruder access via the garage windows. Good garage window locks are equally as important as good garage door security lock. Please refer to the previous Lock Guy article on window security.

Homeowners should also not overlook the internal door locks to your home from your garage – particularly on fire doors which are not designed with security in mind. Check if your internal door has a British Standard accredited insurance approved lock. If not, contact your local professional locksmith and enquire about a lock upgrade to protect your home from being burgled via the garage.

Nothing is fool proof, but the more you do the better

When it comes to Garage Locks and Security, there is no way to make a garage 100% burglar proof. The aim of enhancing the security is to make it as difficult as possible for the burglar. If it is going to take them too long or make too much noise – they are likely to move on to find an easier target. In the spirit of deterring burglars, there are also some other precautions that can be considered. For example, installing a security light and/or camera close to your garage. For garages that keep very valuable items, it might be prudent to invest in an alarm system.

I hope this article on Garage Locks and Security has been useful to you.

If you want further advice on locks and other security products, then contact Lock Guy.

Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.