The use of electric garage doors has become indispensable for homeowners, offering convenience with a simple click to open and close garage doors. While these systems save time and effort in daily routines, recent incidents highlight the significance of using automatic garage doors safely and responsibly, along with taking measures to protect our homes from potential threats.

Thieves Targeting Garage Door Openers in St. Louis County

Residents in Des Peres, West St. Louis County, experienced a wave of vehicle thefts and break-ins in late September 2019, causing concern in the community. Multiple residents were affected by these incidents, as reported by a local news network. The crimes were especially alarming as the thieves exploited an unexpected tool to access victims’ homes: garage door remote controls discovered in unlocked vehicles. This allowed them to enter people’s homes to steal items, including car keys and cars.

The surge in attempted break-ins and vehicle thefts left residents shocked. Eddie Killeen, a local resident, emphasized that these recent incidents appeared more organized, heightening the alarm among residents. Marianne Garr shared her personal experience as a victim, recalling the theft of her husband’s brand-new car in 2015. While her family remained physically unharmed, the invasion incident caused sleepless nights and deep distress. Jim Killeen, another resident, recounted a similar event involving his neighbor, who bravely followed the suspects as they fled the scene.

To address the problem, local police turned to social media, urging residents to exercise vigilance, lock their vehicles, and protect themselves from potential threats. In addition, the public safety department placed “Lock It or Lose It” signs throughout Des Peres as a reminder to secure belongings and lock vehicles. This simple action can go a long way in deterring potential thieves and protecting homes and belongings.

Garage Door Opener Theft and Home Invasion in Utah

June 2023: Blake and Tina Brown returned from vacation only to discover their Utah home had been burglarized in their absence, according to a report by Inside Edition. The thief’s method was, once again, breaking into the Browns’ car at the airport, stealing their garage door opener remote, and obtaining their home address from the vehicle’s registration.

This allowed the intruder to brazenly access their home through the garage door, stealing approximately $20,000 worth of property and belongings without encountering any difficulty or raising suspicions from neighbors.

Theft Surge from Unlocked Vehicles in Huntington Beach

In May 2018, the Huntington Beach Police Department issued a warning to residents about a surge in vehicle theft in the area. According to a post from the HBPD, there was a noticeable increase in theft from unlocked vehicles.

“We have seen an uptick in theft from unlocked motor vehicles in our city, especially in the Harbor and northwest neighborhoods of Huntington Beach. Take the extra minute to take all of your valuable items inside your home, and make sure to lock your vehicle every time you leave it! Many thefts are committed as crimes of opportunity when thieves try car doors in the middle of the night looking for things to take. These items range from computers, wallets and purses to money and vehicle registrations. Don’t be a victim, and remember to take it out and lock it up!”

The rise in thefts was particularly noticeable in the Northwest and Harbor Huntington Beach neighborhoods. HBPD reminds residents that leaving vehicles unlocked could result in crimes of opportunity. When thieves gain access to the garage door opener, they can easily enter the victim’s home, similar to the aforementioned Utah burglary case.

To help people become more aware, the Huntington Beach police outlined the types of items that are frequently left inside vehicles and are attractive to thieves. These items include garage door opener remotes, handbags, gym bags, keys, wallets, cell phones, laptops, and loose credit cards. The police advised against leaving keys inside the car and recommended avoiding keeping the garage door opener remote inside the vehicle whenever possible.

Effective Ways to Secure Garage Doors and Prevent Break-Ins

Let’s explore simple yet practical ways that residents can protect themselves, secure their garage doors, and proactively prevent break-ins.

1. Use Keychain Remote Controls or Carry Remotes with You

As mentioned earlier, leaving a remote control stored or unattended in your vehicle can make it an enticing target for thieves. If they manage to get hold of your garage door opener remote, they can effortlessly gain entry to your garage and home whenever they wish.

To mitigate the risks, residents can use keychain remote controls. These compact remotes resemble modern car fobs which can be easily attached to a keychain. Alternatively, keep your garage door remote control with you at all times, carrying it in your pocket, purse, bag, or backpack.

2. Stay Connected with a Smart Garage Door Opener System

The best way to monitor your garage door is by using a smart garage door opener system with a Wi-Fi capability. These systems offer more than just the ability to open and close your garage door remotely; they provide a seamless connection between you and your garage.

The opener’s app allows users to receive real-time alerts whenever their garage door is opening or closing. Smart garage door openers, available from reputable brands such as Liftmaster, Chamberlain, Genie, and Marantec, can be controlled and monitored through user-friendly apps that are free to use—no subscription fee is required.

3. Program Your Vehicle to Your Garage Door Opener

Most newer vehicles come equipped with HomeLink, a feature that allows you to program your garage door opener directly to your car. This eliminates the need to carry a separate garage door opener remote in the car. The programming process is quick and straightforward, usually performed using the buttons located on your vehicle’s rearview mirror or top console.

4. Use the Garage Door Lock Button or Vacation Mode

A valuable feature available on multi-function wall consoles is the lock button, also known as vacation mode. When activated, this function prevents the garage door from being opened using the handheld remote and any other remote devices while still allowing operation through the push bar.

Using the lock button is simple and can be done in a few steps. Press and hold down the lock button for 2 seconds until the push button indicator light begins to flash. The light will continue to flash as long as the lock button remains activated. To deactivate the lock mode, press and hold the lock button again for 2 seconds. The push bar indicator light will stop flashing, indicating that the lock mode is turned off.

In a crime alert issued in August 2019, the Newport Beach Police Department offered a valuable recommendation: “If your garage door has a remote shutoff button on the wall-mounted control, located in the garage, consider locking the door nightly.” The remote shutoff feature they are referring to is commonly known as the lock button or vacation mode.

Securing Garage Doors Against Opportunistic Crimes

Technology has greatly improved security, safety, and convenience in automatic garage door and remote-control systems. However, no system is completely foolproof. Consult a licensed garage door repair company to explore the possibilities offered by modern technologies. By staying informed and proactive, you can take advantage of the latest security features available and create a more secure environment for your family.