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Police have recently issued a warning to residents in Avon and Somerset following a string of shed and garage break-ins; as well as in Sussex, Bristol and West Hull.
It is essential to safeguard a property, especially as spring has now arrived and more and more people start to go in and out of their garage at this time of year for various objects such as gardening tools.
Chris Long, Managing Director of The International Door Association, said: "Residential burglaries are of concern to many homeowners. Although numerous security systems exist, applying basic common sense will restrict many break-in opportunities. The garage door is a major entry into a house, so keep your garage door closed when not in use and manually locked if you don't have a garage door opener.
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"If you do have an electric door opener, don't keep your remote control in a place easily accessible to others such as in your unlocked automobile. Locking your interior entry door from the garage is a good security step."
Breaking down doors, accessing side gates and going through side doors are common ways to enter a residence as well as stealing garage door openers to get into the garage. However, homeowners can implement some simple measures, such as installing alarms and automatic lighting, to prevent unlawful entry and ensure their belongings are safe and secure.
For example:
• Do not leave the remoter opener transmitters in a parked car overnight.
• Always lock and alarm the car or the insurance will be invalid.
• Don't advertise the garage contents unnecessarily.
• If replacing doors, consider side hinged or wicket doors that don't show the entire garage.
• Keep doors locked when not in view - opportunistic thieves can be in and out in seconds.
• Upgrade locks and barrels where possible. Use extra bolts/locks fitted internally where there is other access. For external access, use lockable bolts, door defenders and lockable posts.
• Secure other forms of access and fit grilles to windows.
