Detached garage security

[roadrunner255]

Hello all,

We recently had our detached building burglarized and was looking at what others are using for security.

I want to be able to leave my 2 small back windows open when it is warm outside for ventilation.

I do have the schlage deadbolt that has z wave tech, and am researching it.

Looking for a simple system with an indoor/outdoor siren and indoor sensor for monitoring windows and back door.

Forgot to add I will be adding motion security lighting.

Cheers!

 

[Kaizen]

You will want heavy duty cages over those windows if you want them open. Care to share how they got in this time?


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[BFBOB]

Windows: put 2 magnets on the windows to trip the magnetic contacts, whether wired or wireless. One closes the contact when the window is closed, the other when it is open some amount of your choosing. Say, 10", too narrow for a thief to get through. In the open position, the alarm trips if it is opend farther or closed. (in the trade, this is known as a "Fresh Air Window".
For space protection, motion detectors can be problematic, being tripped by all manner of critters. Remeber, a mouse looks like an elephant if it's close enough. A better solution is an IR beam. Dual beams, the norm these days, only trip if both beams are interrupted simultaneously for a programmable interval. Set the interval for half a second or a second, and between that and the dual beams, it eliminates birds and small critters. OK, a slow moving raccoon would still do it, but you should be able to secure your garage that well.
If you're in a cold climate where subzero temps are common, wireless is not a good idea. The batteries often fail, creating trouble reports and/or false alarms and failure to alarm. Probably not a major problem in Austin.
A modest system like the DSC PC-1616 will fill the bill nicely, and can work with both wired and wireless devices. You didn't mention monitoring, but it's already set up for monitoring via wired phone line, and a cell communicator is easily added (DSC 3G4000)

Hook up your choice of sirens up to 5A worth.

There are, of course many other choices; this is the brand we deal in the most.

As noted above, physical security is important too. The advent of cordless angle grinders has made this much harder to accomplish, and of course there's the appearance factor. At least reinforce your door jambs so it takes more than one swift kick to get through the walk door. And make sure your overhead door opener has the newer emergency release cord that pulls AWAY from the door so it can't be snagged and pulled open by fishing through the top of the door.

 

[bczygan]

Detached and unoccupied, you will always be at far greater risk, no matter what you do.

So do EVERYTHING possible.

Bill

 

[roadrunner255]

You will want heavy duty cages over those windows if you want them open. Care to share how they got in this time?


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Garage doors

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[Kaizen]

Garage doors

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I'm building a garage as a result of getting robbed. Realized I needed some better security then my tent garage.
The more I think about it the garage is not only the easiest target but the hardest to defend. no one is in there most of the time. lots of blind spots. a lot of people use it and might not lock up. the more doors/windows the more of a threat.

 

[Mustang1167]

Both my garage entry doors have 1/4 steel plate on the inside strike plate side. Everything is installed using 3" structural screws. I also have a double strike plate also secured with structural rated screws. I also have 2 motion lights on the garage. It's way over kill for my neighborhood but I sleep better when I'm gone.

 

[roadrunner255]

I thought we we safe out here, no reports of theft in the past 10 years.

Thieves are looking for easy access, unlocked doors and even using gdo ' from cars to get in your home. Most doors in the garage to house are unlocked.

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[roadrunner255]

Windows: put 2 magnets on the windows to trip the magnetic contacts, whether wired or wireless. One closes the contact when the window is closed, the other when it is open some amount of your choosing. Say, 10", too narrow for a thief to get through. In the open position, the alarm trips if it is opend farther or closed. (in the trade, this is known as a "Fresh Air Window".
For space protection, motion detectors can be problematic, being tripped by all manner of critters. Remeber, a mouse looks like an elephant if it's close enough. A better solution is an IR beam. Dual beams, the norm these days, only trip if both beams are interrupted simultaneously for a programmable interval. Set the interval for half a second or a second, and between that and the dual beams, it eliminates birds and small critters. OK, a slow moving raccoon would still do it, but you should be able to secure your garage that well.
If you're in a cold climate where subzero temps are common, wireless is not a good idea. The batteries often fail, creating trouble reports and/or false alarms and failure to alarm. Probably not a major problem in Austin.
A modest system like the DSC PC-1616 will fill the bill nicely, and can work with both wired and wireless devices. You didn't mention monitoring, but it's already set up for monitoring via wired phone line, and a cell communicator is easily added (DSC 3G4000)

Hook up your choice of sirens up to 5A worth.

There are, of course many other choices; this is the brand we deal in the most.

As noted above, physical security is important too. The advent of cordless angle grinders has made this much harder to accomplish, and of course there's the appearance factor. At least reinforce your door jambs so it takes more than one swift kick to get through the walk door. And make sure your overhead door opener has the newer emergency release cord that pulls AWAY from the door so it can't be snagged and pulled open by fishing through the top of the door.

Thanks

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[teamextreme]

Garage doors

Meaning? Did they kick the door in? Pull the cord on the door opener?

I also have a 1/4" steel plate over the dead bolt, secured with 5/16" lag bolts. Our neighborhood is very safe, but I still worry about the windows though.

 

[roadrunner255]

No electricity at the time, I have 10 x 12 overhead doors and you had to know to lift up the doors from the bottom.

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[Bluedodge]

What did the vermin take?
Beer from the fridge? Teenagers.
Tools/electronics? Tweekers.
Auto/cycle parts? Enthusiasts who know what you got (and probably know you).

 

[penright]

.... (in the trade, ....

@BFBOB, I was thinking about starting a different thread for this question, but if we think of "Detached garage PROTECTION" instead of security, then I not hijacking. Seriously, if I am, I will start a new one. I could tell by the comment "in the trade" and the part numbers you install alarms. For me, I laid a low voltage conduit when I trenched for electrical services. So I can handle wired, but I don't think it matters to the question other than reliability. Besides security, I would like to protect the detached with CO detector and Smoke. The issue I can think of for CO will be when running a car. But if you are running one with the doors shut and the CO goes off, maybe you do have an issue.
Smoke detector on the other hand, will welding and using a cutting torch set one off? On one hand, don't see it any different than gas stove. In "tricks of the trade" for CO and smoke detectors?

 

[Kaizen]

Windows: put 2 magnets on the windows to trip the magnetic contacts, whether wired or wireless. One closes the contact when the window is closed, the other when it is open some amount of your choosing. Say, 10", too narrow for a thief to get through. In the open position, the alarm trips if it is opend farther or closed. (in the trade, this is known as a "Fresh Air Window".
For space protection, motion detectors can be problematic, being tripped by all manner of critters. Remeber, a mouse looks like an elephant if it's close enough. A better solution is an IR beam. Dual beams, the norm these days, only trip if both beams are interrupted simultaneously for a programmable interval. Set the interval for half a second or a second, and between that and the dual beams, it eliminates birds and small critters. OK, a slow moving raccoon would still do it, but you should be able to secure your garage that well.
If you're in a cold climate where subzero temps are common, wireless is not a good idea. The batteries often fail, creating trouble reports and/or false alarms and failure to alarm. Probably not a major problem in Austin.
A modest system like the DSC PC-1616 will fill the bill nicely, and can work with both wired and wireless devices. You didn't mention monitoring, but it's already set up for monitoring via wired phone line, and a cell communicator is easily added (DSC 3G4000)

Hook up your choice of sirens up to 5A worth.

There are, of course many other choices; this is the brand we deal in the most.

As noted above, physical security is important too. The advent of cordless angle grinders has made this much harder to accomplish, and of course there's the appearance factor. At least reinforce your door jambs so it takes more than one swift kick to get through the walk door. And make sure your overhead door opener has the newer emergency release cord that pulls AWAY from the door so it can't be snagged and pulled open by fishing through the top of the door.

How do the ir beams go? You talking lasers like in the movies? Cause that would be awesome.


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[theoldwizard1]

Forgot to add I will be adding motion security lighting. !

All 4 sides !

If you have power opener that you do not use a lot, unplug it. If you have windows in the garage doors, make sure they can't put a stiff wore through it and pop the emergency release.

If you have glass in your man door, that is the weakest security point. The brand/type of lock does not matter much. The weak link is the strike plate.

The best solution is a medium to large size dog. One that sleeps inside the garage.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Motion activated servo controlled machine guns mounted on 20 foot high X 6 inch in diameter steel posts positioned at 50 foot intervals around the garage.

 

[penright]

Motion activated servo controlled machine guns mounted on 20 foot high X 6 inch in diameter steel posts positioned at 50 foot intervals around the garage.

My luck, I would forget to unset the alarm.

 

[ford fanatic]

I ran CAT 5 out to my detached garage to tie into the security system of the house, also motion spot lights on the two front corners.

 

[Phoenixl37]

I didn't want anything on the outside, even though this the best deterrent, so I used 1/2" smooth rebar spaced on a 8 to 9" grid. The ends go 3" into the wood jamb on both top to bottom & left to right. The rebar is about 3" from the window, allowing easy opening of the window from the inside. I also painted the rebar fluorescent orange, easily visible when looking through the window. The walk-in door has a commercial rated lock & deadbolt(keyed) with 1/4" steel striker plate in the jamb & will be getting the same rebar treatment for its window. The overhead door will eventually be on an electric opener & padlocked.

 

[pgray007]

I ran conduit to my detached, and put in a subpanel for the alarm in the house (a Leviton/HAI unit). There are piezo "screamers" in the detached that scare the **** out of you and make it just about unbearable to be in there when they go off, and the house gets a voice alert if someone trips the alarm.

A wise man once told me you'll never "secure" a building you just want to make it a less attractive target than someone else's building.


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[Musicinabottle]

My luck, I would forget to unset the alarm.

...... and it plays totally into the "Good guy gets it while the bad guy skates". It's life, I swear it!

 

[MikeF2316]

Nobody mentioned cameras? Not that they really help secure it, but I have a camera in the back of my house pointed at the garage. There's a sign indicating a camera that stores to the web is watching the garage.

Of course, 2 sides of the garage area not visible, but because the garage is in a corner of my property and there's no openings on that side, bad guys would have trouble staying out of the camera's view.

 

[KDXSR5]

Subscribed for ideas/info.

 

[James-W]

Anything that you do to enhance security will no doubt be of some help, but I think the best way to protect yourself is to have really good insurance. My thinking is that no matter what you do or what you have for security, you may still get robbed. So by having really good insurance you will at least be able to avoid a big loss. This is not to say you shouldn't at least attempt to ward off potential burglars, it is good to at least try to do that, but if someone really wants to break in and steal stuff, they probably will do so despite whatever steps you take to prevent it. Even banks get robbed, and I think there are some banks that have armed guards along with security cameras and who knows what all else they have.

 

[nicholam77]

Maybe add something like this to the overhead door?

http://www.surelock4homes.com

 

[Koken]

In addition to what was already mentioned, if it is a metal building, all they have to do is unscrew part of a panel and climb in. Finishing off your walls with plywood, metal panels, etc. will help prevent entry. Cover all windows and openings to prevent anyone from looking in. Don't let landscaping plants grow up around the building (unless it is a very thorny cactus). Fence your yard. Get a dog. Don't tell people what you got. Don't invite people over. And most of all......don't post pictures of your garage/contents on web sites including this one.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have CCTV and monitored alarm on my detached garage. I could not get insurance without the alarm system.
The monitored alarm really works, I can say this because the uninvited have tested it twice. The Police are here in a few minutes and apprehended someone the first time. The second time the thieves got away with nothing but the police got the B&E thieves about ten blocks from here. They had the video for identification and the Chevy Van the would-be thieves were driving was stolen, also. There has been three attempts in 3 decades.

 

[Kaizen]

Anything that you do to enhance security will no doubt be of some help, but I think the best way to protect yourself is to have really good insurance. My thinking is that no matter what you do or what you have for security, you may still get robbed. So by having really good insurance you will at least be able to avoid a big loss. This is not to say you shouldn't at least attempt to ward off potential burglars, it is good to at least try to do that, but if someone really wants to break in and steal stuff, they probably will do so despite whatever steps you take to prevent it. Even banks get robbed, and I think there are some banks that have armed guards along with security cameras and who knows what all else they have.

It's the new year so everyone go pull out your phone and do a walk around video opening all drawers and describing all items. Save it to a computer AND a USB drive stored securely. This will enable you to get the most back from a robbery. Course you have to organize it first but hey New Years resolution and all


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[breeaad]

Consider what in the garage you are trying to protect to develop the plan. If you are worried about big items (motorcycles, lawn mowers, UTV's), you need to padlock the doors. If you are worried about smaller stuff like tools, welders, etc, you need to go a lot further in trying to keep someone out altogether. My thoughts are:
-Window/door coverings to keep someone from being able to see in
-Strong striker plates on man doors with long bolts
-If your man door has a window, install a double cylinder deadbolt
-Padlock your roll-up doors
-Motion/entry sensors with a siren and monitored service
-As others have mentioned, catelog and document contents and have a discussion with your insurance agent.

 

[tinysparky]

fake cameras online for $10 each, yard signs, lighting, bars over window gaps (welded rebar works great,) motion sensor with loud siren, renforced door frames. extra long deadbolt. lock your garage doors from the inside, drive sensor that dings outside so they think somebody may have heard them. if you had really good stuff.....think about doing an internal safe room with concrete blocks.

cheers and good luck

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[rayra]

No electricity at the time, I have 10 x 12 overhead doors and you had to know to lift up the doors from the bottom.

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wait, so what you are saying is that they simply opened the door? Wasn't padlocked?

 

[rburke65]

Dah.....awfull trusting I would say!

 

[redidbull]

I have a small barn in my yard with 2 out opening doors. I use the handle lock and also put a hasp and padlock. There is a motion sensor light and a IP security cam inside that sends emails to me if motion is detected. It is pointed directly at the door and has night vision. Warning stickers are also your friend alarm or not. Jim

 

[Brad Beam]

Motion activated servo controlled machine guns mounted on 20 foot high X 6 inch in diameter steel posts positioned at 50 foot intervals around the garage.

This

 

[carryallman]

i had a friends work garage that used to get broke into ocassionally ! he got a x -military german shepard for nite duty ! the dog would not bark on a break in! he would let criminal get in and attack him in his groin area ! usually pinning him down or up against the walls ! friend came in one morning early and heard the dog from street /called cops they came and got guy /he was very happy to confess all previous break ins ! needless to say all the cops wanted to adopt the dog for other high crime areas !!

 

[onemanarmy]

This is relevant to my interests...
In addition to installing heavy duty door strikers and some outside lighting, I want to add a self-monitored security system, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PJ1Y736/?tag=atomicindus08-20

but this doesn't have an alarm/siren. The interface look easy enough, but I'd like an alarm for when I wasn't home to check alerts. I don't plan on adding cameras, just using the door sensors.

Anyone running a internet connected system they like, and has good support and good interface?

 

[redidbull]

There are things like the ring doorbell or spotlights that send alerts to your smart phone when movement is detected. Jim

 

[onemanarmy]

Yes, I may get the Ring floodlight, for outside, but also want something for door/window openings, and offer an audible alarm...and aren't crappy from China and unsupported, which Amazon is full of.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I used to worry about my shop being robbed. I eventually had a Honeywell security system professionally installed on the house an shop. The guy from the security company told me the best thing (besides an alarm system) is lights. Thieves hate lights. I installed several Led lights and LED spotlights, and keep everything lit now. I also have two dogs that bark whenever someone comes onto my property. My one dog scared away a burglar that was trying to rob my neighbors house.

 

[Wes Tex]

A local shop was burglarized with the thief first cutting the alarm system wires. Next the guy went to the back of the metal building and unscrewed one of the metal panels to gain entry. He got caught the next day selling the stolen tools to a local pawn shop. Smart way to get in; dumb way to dispose of the stolen items.