By hs_pfroum
Garages are among the most frequently targeted areas in residential break-ins, yet most homeowners secure them far less thoroughly than their front or back doors. A garage often contains high-value items — tools, bikes, sports equipment, vehicles — and in many cases provides direct internal access to the main house. Here is how to secure a garage properly in 2026.
Why Garages Are Targeted
Garages are attractive to opportunists because the door is often the weakest point of entry in a property, particularly older roller-door or sectional door designs. Many garage doors can be opened in seconds with a coat hanger through the emergency release cord. Detached garages are especially vulnerable because activity inside is not visible from the main house and neighbours may not notice a break-in until it is too late.
Garage Camera Options
Outdoor Camera on the Driveway/Approach
An outdoor camera covering the driveway and garage door approach is the first priority. This deters opportunists before they reach the door and captures any approach on footage. Battery cameras from Reolink, Eufy, or Blink work well here if no wiring is available near the garage. A floodlight camera like the Ring Floodlight Cam adds deterrence via the spotlight. See our Ring Floodlight Cam review here.
Indoor Camera Inside the Garage
A camera inside the garage at height facing the door records activity even if the outdoor camera is defeated or obscured. A compact 1080p camera with night vision and local storage works well here — the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K or a Reolink fixed camera are practical choices.
Alarm Sensors for Garages
Add a contact sensor to the main garage door so your alarm triggers if it opens unexpectedly. A shock sensor on the door detects the vibration of forced entry before the door fully opens. A motion detector inside covering the door and internal access route adds a second layer. Most wireless alarm systems including Ring Alarm and Yale accept additional sensors easily. See our alarm systems guide for compatible sensor options.
Garage Door Security Locks
Physical locks matter as much as electronics. A garage door defender — a steel post that bolts to the floor in front of the door — is one of the most effective physical deterrents against forced garage door entry and costs around £40–£80. Smart garage door controllers like the Meross or Shelly Garage Door Controller add remote monitoring and auto-close functionality to most existing garage doors for under £30.
The Emergency Release Vulnerability
The most overlooked garage security issue: the emergency release cord. Some burglars slide a tool through the gap at the top of the garage door, hook the cord, and disengage the lock in under 10 seconds. A £5 cable tie or commercial emergency release shield prevents this immediately. Add this before doing anything else.
Final Checklist
- Outdoor camera covering the driveway approach
- Indoor camera inside facing the main door
- Contact sensor on the garage door connected to your alarm
- Shock sensor for forced-entry detection
- Emergency release shield (immediate priority)
- Physical door defender bolt for high-value garages
Read our full home security blind spots guide for more overlooked vulnerabilities. Explore all outdoor camera options here.
