Van owners and tradespeople have been told how to properly secure their garages over the Easter break.
Experts at Lease Van have named seven measures all drivers should do to ensure their garages are secure from opportunistic criminals.
Reinforcing windows with locks, or using tinted film, will keep tools and equipment out of sight from any passers by.
Thieves who see that motion activated lights, alarm systems and cameras have been installed will also be deterred from attempting to break in.
Another security measure for garages is to install a garage door defender to stop criminals from gaining entry.
Tim Alcock from Lease Van said: “Tradespeople and van drivers should keep their garages secured over the Easter break to prevent expensive equipment and tools from being stolen by opportunistic criminals.
“It’s easy to install motion activated lights and alarm systems to deter attempted break ins, and reinforcing weak windows with locks or using tinted film will hide valuables from sight.
“Garage door defenders can also be installed as a device to secure the door to the ground – movement will be completely restricted to stop thieves from gaining entry.
“Consider locking up bulky and expensive items together with a heavy duty chain, this will make it near-impossible for criminals to pick up the equipment and steal it.”
Here’s how to properly secure your garage:
- Motion activated lights
Installing motion action lights will deter opportunistic criminals from attempting to break in. A well lit area will put any intruders in the light, meaning they’ll be easily seen by any neighbours or passers by.
- Sturdy windows
Ensure that any windows in the garage are reinforced with locks or screwed down if not in use, especially if they are old and weak. Tinted film will also prevent criminals from looking for anything valuable.
- Conceal remote controls
Some garages may be operated by a remote control – this device should be hidden well inside of your home and not left in the vehicle. Criminals may take their chance by breaking into vans parked outside of the garage and easily get into the garage undetected.
- Garage door defenders
These devices can be installed at the front of the garage to secure the door to the ground. The heavy duty security defender completely restricts the door from opening, stopping criminals from entering the garage.
- Alarm system
Motion sensor alarm systems will trigger a loud noise when any unwanted thieves attempt to break down the door or any weak points in the garage. Criminals who see that an alarm system is in place will be deterred from attempting to break in.
- Lock bulky items together
Use a heavy duty locking system to keep bulky equipment and tools together. In the event that a criminal does enter the garage, all of the heavy and expensive items that are attached will be near-impossible to move.
- Camera system
Even setting up a basic camera system will deter any criminals thinking they can break in quickly and unseen. Home security systems with cameras pointing at all entrances to the garage will help keep tools and equipment protected.
