6 Second Break-Ins… Is Your Garage Safe?

Did you know that it can take as little as 6 seconds to break into a garage?

The easiest access points for thieves to a enter into your house or to your valuables is through your garage. Not only is it a great place to break into your car but it is also filled with bikes, tools, sporting goods and other items that can be sold.

10 Things to Keep in Mind

1. Keep the door to your garage locked, even when you are at home.

2. Make sure the overhead garage door is completely closed before leaving or entering your home

3. Install dead bolt locks for the man door to your garage - it makes it much more difficult for an intruder to enter & your door will look far more imposing with an upper lock

4. If you have a detached garage look into installing a motion light at access points to your garage. - it will deter thieves from lingering under a bright light in a dark alleyway

5. If your vehicle is parked outside your home don’t leave the automatic garage door opener inside it.

6. If you can’t program your garage door opener into your car, look into getting a keychain remote opener.

7. Try to stay away from the clip garage door openers as they are a quick grab/access for thieves.

8. Conceal valuable property in your garage with the use of window coverings or frosted glass. If they can’t see what’s inside your garage or if your car is there or not they may not take the risk to break in.

9. When on Vacation be sure to disable your garage door opener. You can disconnect the automatic garage door opener or install a lock in the track to block the roller of the garage door

10. To prevent the 6 second break-in use a plastic zip tie to secure the emergency release mechanism on your garage door. - you will be able to release it in an emergency using more force, but thieves won't be able to get it open using a hanger.

Look at extending your alarm system to include your garage, you can never be too safe!

By being aware of the vulnerabilities present with being a homeowner you can take the necessary precautions to keep your family and valuables safe. Put yourself in a criminals shoes and try to find trouble spots in and around your garage. Test your security system.

Ask yourself could you break into your garage? If you can, chances are someone else can as well!

Making a Claim if you are Broken Into

Okay, lets say that your garage is broken into.. what do you do? Here is where you start. You need to identify what damage has been done as it will affect who you call your to make a claim with your home or auto or both.

Damage to your garage, home or missing property would all fall under your home insurance coverage.

Damage to your vehicle would be covered under your auto insurance.

As every situation is unique, we suggest you talk to your licensed insurance broker about your needs. If you need some guidance and want to discuss it with us, please don't hesitate to contact us anytime! We ensure our clients get the best coverage to protect themselves and their families at the best rates from our insurance partners.

Garage Break-In Resources

Be sure to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and report it to the police. No crime is too small, report it, Just do it! The more information we are able to provide to the local police department the safer your community can become.

Contact your local police department or if in Edmonton the Edmonton Police Services (non-emergency) 780-423-4567 or a life-threatening emergency or a crime in progress dial 9-1-1. Crime prevention is everybody’s business… Do your part - don’t be a victim!

If you have been thinking about updating your home insurance, now is as good of a time as any to have a look, we would love to talk with you!