Garage door security measures - what's effective and easy to use?

[Tunahunter]

Sad to read of that woman's son who had his bike stolen - spent a bit of time around Creyke Rd many moons ago - it was a respectable neigbourhood.

It raises questions about just how good various locking arrangements are on garage doors. I imagine that a standard automatic door would be pretty easy to force open - I wonder what simple-to-operate measures other KB readers use on their garage doors - one's that enable easy access but a good level of security.

[Latte]

I've always drilled and used a padlock in the "channel" of the door runner. Either right behind the plastic wheel (tilt), or just above the edge of the door(roller). Effectively making the door unopenable (would require the door itself to bend in half to open for the tilt doors, and roller door wuold need to be forced open from the other side).

[blackdog]

i prefer tilt doors over rollers.
then its as easy as a plank of wood slotted between the scissor mechanisms

[jim.cox]

Also always lock your bike to an imovable object with a large mo'fo' chain.

It will slow the bad guys down long enough for the Rotweiler to get his teeth into them

I've also seen pressure pad alarms under the bike - it moves, alarm goes off

[PirateJafa]

i prefer tilt doors over rollers.
then its as easy as a plank of wood slotted between the scissor mechanisms

Not so effective. As then when someone breaks in through the window, they just pull the block of wood out of the way and hit the open button.

Whereas with a padlock or deadbolt across the runner, they have to bring along a bolt-cutter sufficient to cut through it.

[blackdog]

too true. i put bars in the windows so not a prob there

[BoristheBiter]

It will slow the bad guys down long enough for the Rotweiler to get his teeth into them



A big dog walking around the yard is the best defence.
Gives the dog some thing to play with during the day.

[neels]

I was told that one of the common ways auto tilt doors are opened is by hooking the rope on the release mechanism through the top of the door, disconnects the door from the drive chain so it can be lifted open. Once they're inside it's pretty hard to stop them getting out unless you actually lock the door shut which kind of defeats the purpose of an auto door.

[breakaway]

Wouldn't it be easy enough to feed the dog a piece of meat laced with sedative or similar?

[BoristheBiter]

because you allways carry piece of meat laced with sedative to break into a house/garage. NOT

[breakaway]

Just sayin'. If they're keen enough to get into your garage to steal your shit, a dog wouldn't present that big an obstacle at all I reckon. It would stop opportunists though. But then again so would a good ground anchor, wouldn't it?

[Latte]

because you allways carry piece of meat laced with sedative to break into a house/garage. NOT

I keep drugged lace meat on my person at all times. But thats just for snacks if I'm hungry........ ;)

[BoristheBiter]

I keep drugged lace meat on my person at all times. But thats just for snacks if I'm hungry........ ;)

Funny that, i keep my person drug laced with bits of meat for snacks.

[BoristheBiter]

Just sayin'. If they're keen enough to get into your garage to steal your shit, a dog wouldn't present that big an obstacle at all I reckon. It would stop opportunists though. But then again so would a good ground anchor, wouldn't it?

If someone is wants to break in nothing will stop them.
Most just look for easy targets.

[Latte]

Funny that, i keep my person drug laced with bits of meat for snacks.

Probably the better option in hindsight. :D

[Flip]

Nothing does stop them. But you should never make yourself an easy target. Theves are basically a cowardly lot and they don't like being confronted and being beaten up.

I have a tilter door on my bike garage. The tilter door has an extra drop bolt top and bottom. The side door has been reinforced with angle iron and has a big "procreate in another location" pad lock on it. The garage has no windows only sky lights and has a basic motion sensor alarm system. I fully lock up any vehicle I leave in it and if I am awol I park my work ute in the drive to block access.

Oh and my dog is worth much more to me than anything I will ever park in my garage.

[Headbanger]

Auto-tilt doors are generally so weak that a good yank will twist em enough to open them, Otherwise a jimmy bar and a sledgehammer and no shed is safe.

Bars over the window?, no problem.

[BoristheBiter]

Nothing does stop them. But you should never make yourself an easy target. Theves are basically a cowardly lot and they don't like being confronted and being beaten up.

I have a tilter door on my bike garage. The tilter door has an extra drop bolt top and bottom. The side door has been reinforced with angle iron and has a big "procreate in another location" pad lock on it. The garage has no windows only sky lights and has a basic motion sensor alarm system. I fully lock up any vehicle I leave in it and if I am awol I park my work ute in the drive to block access.

Oh and my dog is worth much more to me than anything I will ever park in my garage.

Dead right there. sounds like we took the same "how not to get scamed" course.
some people just make it too easy for them to get in, although i have come home to all the house being locked up and alarms set to find i hadn't closed one of the doors.
Also we lock the gate.

[Elysium]

Our garage door has a simple slide latch at the bottom of the door. But some previous owner installed this large chain into the floor that once secured a Subaru Legacy, may concider using that soon.

[Mom]

i prefer tilt doors over rollers.
then its as easy as a plank of wood slotted between the scissor mechanisms

What he said :yes:

[rustic101]

American Bull dog sleeping next to the bike works very well :)

[Jonno.]

The main way people will get into your house is a window or door and it will most likely be during the day.

[kave]

I used to work for a warehousing company that wholesaled expensive electronic equipment. Roller-door was bolted, bollards were placed behind the roller-door. All windows had massive steel bars over them both on the inside and out. The area was alarmed. Came in one day to find thieves had managed to hook up a truck to the exterior bars and pull them off. They had then smashed the window and used an angle-grinder to get through the internal bars. They had escaped with one box of stock (but luckily the box only contained damaged goods that were going in the bin).

The cheapest security is insurance. If you are really keen on turning your garage into a fortress but want to keep the convenience of automatic doors (none of which are very secure) I would suggest making sure that your door opener uses rolling code technology so thieves cant use a code grabber. I would get an alarm professionally installed with heaps of PIRs and sensors on all the doors and windows. Then I would secure the bike using a ground anchor. Maybe install a "sonic barrier" and "light barrier", essentially a multi-tone siren operating at about 125db with a 2700W strobe. Combine that with a fog cannon such as the "protect 600" .The combination of the sound barrier, light barrier and fog cannon actually prevents any burglar from remaining on your premises for more than a few seconds, acts on the same principles as a flash-bang grenade, totally overpowers all your senses.

[Eyegasm]

Maybe install a "sonic barrier" and "light barrier", essentially a multi-tone siren operating at about 125db with a 2700W strobe. Combine that with a fog cannon such as the "protect 600" .The combination of the sound barrier, light barrier and fog cannon actually prevents any burglar from remaining on your premises for more than a few seconds, acts on the same principles as a flash-bang grenade, totally overpowers all your senses.

Shit, add some Dubstep or Drum and Bass and I'll have a party in your garage any day!!!
Fog, Strobe and loud sounds.... Yip sounds like a wicked gig.

[Bad Gixxer]

My security device consists of an elderly Watchlady called June who lives in the house in front of mine. She clears my mail, brings the paper down the drive on a rainy morning, intercepts the courier for all those trademe purchases and signs the receipt for me, gives me a rundown on any visitors that arrived and I wasn't there, and generally watches the place like a hawk. If I go away and (as I sometimes do) leave the garage door open, she'll close it for me and check the doors.

She's cheap to run as well - a box of Roses at Christmas and a couple of odd-jobs for her now and again. She's worth her weight in gold. I reckon any dropkick that tried to nick my bike (assuming he got as far as riding out the driveway) would get a spade in the face from the old lady!!

[Swoop]

I was told that one of the common ways auto tilt doors are opened is by hooking the rope on the release mechanism through the top of the door, disconnects the door from the drive chain so it can be lifted open.
Yup. A Kotanga with a loop on the end can release the mechanism from the top of the door, or there is another easy entry... Either way, a tilt door is a weak point, so reinforce your door security folks!

Also, a nosey neighbour is a handy thing to have (at times).:rofl:



Extra security is needed with tilt doors, no matter what you have inside.

[dogsnbikes]

Knowing your neighbours is a good start,not many people do these days though....but I still keep garage locked both inside and out even tools box's and cupboards and bike's locked failing all that I have insurance,but at least I know I have done my part to minimise the risk..

But its a bonus that no-one can see our house or garage from the street,and our neighbours always tell us if someone show's up when we are out........

But Guys its all too common if you can see your garage door from the road don't leave the bloody door open for the world too see what you have

[Flip]

Knowing your neighbours is a good start,not many people do these days though....but I still keep garage locked both inside and out even tools box's and cupboards and bike's locked failing all that I have insurance,but at least I know I have done my part to minimise the risk..

But its a bonus that no-one can see our house or garage from the street,and our neighbours always tell us if someone show's up when we are out........

But Guys its all too common if you can see your garage door from the road don't leave the bloody door open for the world too see what you have

Exactly, what the eye does not see the heart does not want.

I do not think I would be an easy target. Addittionally my little brother was "Sargent at arms" at one of those big nasty motorcycle clubs we have down here, so it is likely the bike would be returned PDQ.

[aprilia_RS250]

Few years ago one of my mates at uni who studied electrical engineering had his bike pinched by some shitheads. He got a new bike and completely re jigged the electrics on the bike. He molded something that he called a bridge or something like it. It was a proprietary bit of plastic that once plugged into a what looked like a cigarette lighter plug in a car would complete the electrical circuit, this was housed in the sandwich box in the back of the bike. He told me the bike could not be turned on, even with a key, if the bridge was missing. The only way someone could pinch it was if it was picked up and carried away.

[Latte]

Few years ago one of my mates at uni who studied electrical engineering had his bike pinched by some shitheads. He got a new bike and completely re jigged the electrics on the bike. He molded something that he called a bridge or something like it. It was a proprietary bit of plastic that once plugged into a what looked like a cigarette lighter plug in a car would complete the electrical circuit, this was housed in the sandwich box in the back of the bike. He told me the bike could not be turned on, even with a key, if the bridge was missing. The only way someone could pinch it was if it was picked up and carried away.

sounds like an elaborate kill switch, good idea.

Mate had one in his car where the Ash tray had to be a certain distance open for the car to start, once started it could be pushed back in.

[onearmedbandit]

The only way someone could pinch it was if it was picked up and carried away.

Which is the way a lot of bikes are actually stolen. Only takes 2-3 guys to lift a 180kg sportsbike off the ground, especially with a couple of scaffolding poles through the wheels. I posted a video in a thread a while back of this guys bike being stolen off the street (cctv footage). Minivan pulls up, a few guys get out, lift the bike (think it was a 600) into the van, and drive off. Thw whole event took place in less than a minute. In broad daylight. On a busy street.

[onearmedbandit]

Here's the thread with vid. (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/57547-How-easy-is-it-to-steal-a-bike-in-public-%28Vid%29)

[kave]

Here is a display video on how a security fog cannon works. I want one,

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[firefighter]

I think the best way is to just put in a ground anchor and chain it down. Then make sure you are insured. Anymore hassle than that and it's not worth having.

[firefighter]

Here is a display video on how a security fog cannon works. I want one,

Hahahaha, that's fucken hilarious!

[jim.cox]

I think the best way is to just put in a ground anchor and chain it down.

Here's a hint guys

Galvanised chain is actually pretty easy to cut - (try it at a hatrdware store some time if you dont believe me )

If you are serious about security use hardened chain

Bunnings has a good range of sheathed hardend chain in a variety of thicknesses at reasonable prices

[Mully]

The main way people will get into your house is a window or door.

Are you sure? What if they have a teleporter??


My security device consists of an elderly Watchlady called June who lives in the house in front of mine.

We have one of those named Dawn.

Frosty came past on the way from picking his sprogs up from school and dropped by to fiddle with the LED indicators I couldn't figure out.

As soon as we got home, she came out with a written description of him, his kids and the car (along with the rego number)

[cynna]

American Bull dog sleeping next to the bike works very well :)

i have an amstaff as well just incase my american bullldog doenst wake up.....

[marty]

Here's a good idea: Don't leave it in the garage when you're not there. RIDE it!

[Bad Gixxer]

We have one of those named Dawn.

Frosty came past on the way from picking his sprogs up from school and dropped by to fiddle with the LED indicators I couldn't figure out.

As soon as we got home, she came out with a written description of him, his kids and the car (along with the rego number)

That's awesome, and cheaper than a watchdog! Of course if my elderly neighbour was a 36 year old MILF that wanted more than the odd light bulb changed....no, maybe not - might lead to marriage number 3.....Oh Jeez, now I'll be having flashbacks all day and nightmares tonight! :angry:

[onearmedbandit]

Are you sure? What if they have a teleporter??






Hahahahaha.

[Ocean1]

It raises questions about just how good various locking arrangements are on garage doors. I imagine that a standard automatic door would be pretty easy to force open - I wonder what simple-to-operate measures other KB readers use on their garage doors -

Not very. They are. Not saying.

Actually it's never locked, and I've never had anyone "unauthorised" try it.

Unfortunately.


Tic... tic... tic...

[DougB]

I am a retired locksmith and found the only way to keep scum out was to have an electronic device that produces sound that humans
canot bear or stay near even with ear muffs on. They are available but are not leagal in NZ as they may damage scums ears.
Americans report that scum have dived through glass windows to get away from this sound.
I wish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rhys]

I have a ducati ! they won't get far :laugh:

[Flip]

277143

Works for me.

[biggo]

Some years ago I worked for an engineering shop in the UK that was continually being broken into ...

The owner Jim who was a lateral thinker got a cash box and made a small explosive device with contents of a box of fireworks and varoious sharp objects that he placed inside and then left the cashbox on the office desk :shit:

He got a call one night that the alarm had gone off by the time he and the cops :Police: got there the scumbag had left leaving a nice trail of blood behind him.

He was never found but the bastards never came back again :woohoo:

[R650R]

Looking at getting an electric door opener for tilt door... whats best brand to go for/to avoid and how secure are they?

[BMWST?]

Looking at getting an electric door opener for tilt door... whats best brand to go for/to avoid and how secure are they?
i think for a random burglarythe auto door itself is not a problem save for the fact that the door can be disconnected from the opening mechanism...google it.I beleive that some remotes can be "decoded" but i honestly think that if anyone goes to that trouble you are in trouble anyway.
With a few simple things normal doors and windows can be made quite secure..After that i think its a case of diminishing returns but a big chain,padlock and secure anchor are reasonable attempt

[HenryDorsetCase]

Not so effective. As then when someone breaks in through the window, they just pull the block of wood out of the way and hit the open button.

Whereas with a padlock or deadbolt across the runner, they have to bring along a bolt-cutter sufficient to cut through it.

I've just been thinking about that and if they are in my garage (easiest way would be through a window or side door, not main door, all my tools are in there once they are and so they will have time and whatever they need to force that shit open.

[Cosmik de Bris]

Some years ago I worked for an engineering shop in the UK that was continually being broken into ...

The owner Jim who was a lateral thinker got a cash box and made a small explosive device with contents of a box of fireworks and varoious sharp objects that he placed inside and then left the cashbox on the office desk :shit:

He got a call one night that the alarm had gone off by the time he and the cops :Police: got there the scumbag had left leaving a nice trail of blood behind him.

He was never found but the bastards never came back again :woohoo:

I like these kind of solutions, but I believe we are not entitled to harm scum bags. They'd probably get ACC.

Cheers

[Grumph]

I like these kind of solutions, but I believe we are not entitled to harm scum bags. They'd probably get ACC.

Cheers

Of course they will - it's a no fault system. But if you've covered yourself properly they'd also get prosecuted.
By covering, I mean the currently fashionable "Multiple Hazard Area" signs listing the hazards as explosive devices, tiger traps etc etc
The cash box would of course be labelled "Cash Box - Danger Do Not Open"....

No one could argue they weren't warned.

Best security IMO is actually a large, hungry dog dossing down in the workshop.

[jato]

+ 1 on the dog... Quite a few years back a mate (who was living in a bit of a dubious area of the eastern bop) late one night noticed " Tyke" curling his lips back and very quietly growling while looking at the back door...so the door was opened and out went the alsatian ...moments later there was a fair bit of a commotion from the shed with screaming as well as dog noises...mates wife had phoned the cops and in due course the local policeman arrived and asked whos in the shed with the burglar? On hearing it was tyke the alsatian and that tyke was obviously doing ok the cop decided it'd be a good time for a roll-your-own, although apparently half way through the smoke it sounded like tyke was having some success getting the burglar off my mates workbench so it was decided it was time to rescue him. Mate never had any more trouble after that.

[jafagsx250]

+ 1 on the dog... Quite a few years back a mate (who was living in a bit of a dubious area of the eastern bop) late one night noticed " Tyke" curling his lips back and very quietly growling while looking at the back door...so the door was opened and out went the alsatian ...moments later there was a fair bit of a commotion from the shed with screaming as well as dog noises...mates wife had phoned the cops and in due course the local policeman arrived and asked whos in the shed with the burglar? On hearing it was tyke the alsatian and that tyke was obviously doing ok the cop decided it'd be a good time for a roll-your-own, although apparently half way through the smoke it sounded like tyke was having some success getting the burglar off my mates workbench so it was decided it was time to rescue him. Mate never had any more trouble after that.now that's a cop i would happily get pinged by for speeding.

Sent from my TA-1024 using Tapatalk

[Hugo Nougo]

While it would be nice to inflict pain on the lowlifes its not that practical, on my large tilt door versatile garage that just has a pathetic keylock i installed a solenoid triggered by a reed switch, cheap and easy, you need a magnet and know where to place it. Im sure a burglar could still get in but it would be noisy and take time.

[F5 Dave]

I've just been thinking about that and if they are in my garage (easiest way would be through a window or side door, not main door, all my tools are in there once they are and so they will have time and whatever they need to force that shit open.
Hide the most obvious shit like disc grinders away. Also ground bolt and big lock. It's a hassle to have to do it every time just because some oxygen theif wants more money for drugs that aren't killing him quick enough.
Big thick painted plywood with many screws over the inside of the windows. Be pretty hard to kick in especially at that height.
Steel strips reinforce locks and stays on doors to slow down breaching attacks.
Roller door slide lock and separate paddlock on inside.

Nothing is entirely safe but it just has to be a hassle.

[R650R]

Cheers guys... but any recommendations on door opener brands in terms of reliability ease of instal etc...

[Swoop]

Cheers guys... but any recommendations on door opener brands in terms of reliability ease of instal etc...
I did a Merlin one.
Simple to fit and calibrate.
You can get kit boxes in mitre 10 / bunnings, etc and the only comment I had was to get a 1-piece main pole instead of the 4 piece that the kitset boxes come with. Being a stubborn cunt I stuck with the 4 piece and it is still working well, many years later.

[BMWST?]

Hide the most obvious shit like disc grinders away. Also ground bolt and big lock. It's a hassle to have to do it every time just because some oxygen theif wants more money for drugs that aren't killing him quick enough.
Big thick painted plywood with many screws over the inside of the windows. Be pretty hard to kick in especially at that height.
Steel strips reinforce locks and stays on doors to slow down breaching attacks.
Roller door slide lock and separate paddlock on inside.

Nothing is entirely safe but it just has to be a hassle.

long screws thhrough the door lock plates right through the frame and into the framing timbers,similarly take out the silly little screws(1 at a time) that fix the hinges into a 20mm peice of timber,and again get long screws that go right into the studs framing the door.Dont do them too tight otherwise you can distort the frame .

[F5 Dave]

Hinge security pins

Like

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