Protecting your Vehicle and Keys Securely at Home: Tips and Tricks
In an effort to safeguard your property, it's essential to focus on both improving your garage door security and implementing vehicle-specific anti-theft measures. Here's a guide to help you secure your car at home.
Securing Your Garage Door
A well-protected garage door is the first line of defence against break-ins. Here are some effective strategies:
- Install an automatic garage door opener: Motorized security is a key advantage of automatic garage door openers, reducing the risk of the door being left unlocked by mistake.
- Consider a smart garage door opener: Remote control via smartphone and alerts for unexpected door openings provide added security benefits.
- Add extra locks: For manual garage doors, install sturdy mechanical locks or deadbolts designed for garage doors to make forced entry more difficult.
- Secure garage windows: Cover windows with security film or opaque coverings to block visibility, deterring thieves from scouting for valuables.
- Install security cameras and motion-sensor lights: These provide a visual deterrent and evidence if a break-in occurs, while lighting discourages intruders by removing hiding spots.
- Keep garage access separate: Avoid hiding spare keys in the garage or nearby; secure keys inside your home.
Protecting Your Car at Home
- Lock your car and close windows: Regardless of whether your car is in the garage or driveway, always ensure it's locked and windows are closed.
- Install a high-quality car alarm and steering wheel lock: Visible deterrents like steering wheel locks and audible alarms are proven theft prevention tools.
- Use immobilizers and anti-theft devices: Modern cars often have engine immobilizers; additional devices like kill switches or OBD port locks further reduce theft risk.
- Install a GPS tracking device: Real-time location tracking aids in recovery if the vehicle is stolen.
- Remove valuables or keep them out of sight: Visible items attract thieves and increase the risk of break-ins.
- Park in well-lit areas close to your home or inside a locked garage: This reduces the risk of tampering and theft.
- Secure license plates with tamper-resistant screws or anti-theft frames: Prevent plate theft, which can be used to conceal identity during crimes.
By integrating these measures—secure your garage with robust locking, smart monitoring, and good lighting, while protecting your vehicle through alarms, physical locks, and good parking habits—you significantly reduce the risk of break-ins at home.
For additional tailored tips on increasing security, consider taking Neighbourhood Watch's free quiz, "How Safe Is My Place?" Security film on glass panes and accessible windows can also help deter thieves.
According to recent statistics, almost half of all vehicles stolen in Victoria were from residential locations in the year ending June 2024. Keeping your garage door closed and locked can help deter thieves. Garages are prime targets for burglars in Australia, making it crucial to prioritize home and vehicle security.
- To maintain a secure home-and-garden lifestyle, it's crucial to apply security measures not only to your vehicle but also to your garage door.
- This includes installing an automatic garage door opener, securing garage windows, and adding extra locks or deadbolts, in addition to protecting your car with a high-quality car alarm, steering wheel lock, immobilizers, and GPS tracking device.
