Garage and Shop Security

[venturesomerite]

I was thinking recently about ways to improve the security of my lively hood, aka my shop.

Looking for security improvements you guys have made, and things that you may suggest not to do. Modifications/improvements that have not worked well, or failed.

Areas like, security systems, cameras, locks, people and garage door fortification and locking etc.


Looking more for things you made/built/modified less than off the shelf things like buy this security camera.




I have two doors, a people door and a garage door.



My current measures include:

-Steel door in steel frame, no windows. (people door)
-Two windows in garage door - covered with plastic (still lets light in but can't see in)
-Bar over two windows in garage door
- Dead bolt lock -commercial grade
-no door knob, just a small cabinet knob to open door
-Door opens out not in
-anti pry plate on door by dead bolt
-two garage door locks (the kind that pass through the rail track) I pad lock one of them at when I'm not there
-Security system sign in window (although I don't have one)
- Door chime when door opens
- My dog is with me there almost everyday, and always lets me know when someone is near. (although he'd be useless if something scary came)
-I try to keep the door shut as much as possible, but you know, can't always have it shut.



The shop is rented, and there are outside lights, but they currently don't work, though I've been told they are working on it.

My largest concern would be someone just pushing in the bottom panel of the garage door. I've seen it done, and I know it doesn't take much effort.













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[Heavy tech]

GSD Security Ltd.


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[Will S.]

I have been 40 years in the security business, but I cannot help you much with homemade/homebuilt suggestions. Others here may be able to help with that, but I would suggest that you install and/or have professionally installed the most comprehensive system you can afford.

At the very least, I would have a monitored security system, with Uplink backup communications and/or long-range radio data-link, in addition to the phone line. Sensor choice will depend on your building, but perimeter and interior motion, with glass-break detection, if that applies. Loud local, interior and exterior siren with timed cutoff (typically 15-20 minutes).

In addition, install several outdoor and interior high-res cameras, with local and off-premise time-date-stamped recording. This will allow you to view live and recorded video from anywhere you have access to a computer or smartphone.

Other things that you should do include improving physical security of your building, tools and other valuables. Locked tool boxes when away from the shop; better deadbolt locks and higher sercurity striker plates; motion-activated lights; both outside and in you garage/shop, and if you buy a safe, buy a good one, and bolt it both to the concrete floor (4 bolts), and through the back of the safe (2 bolts) to the wall.

Might seem like a lot,, but what will it cost you to repair all the damage, and replace all the tools and equipment? And then you're right back where you started; still with no security.

 

[twertsy]

I agree with Will. My shop is in a warehouse district, in a "not so upscale" part of town. Cameras that record on motion, along with glass-break sensors are a must. I have 5 toolboxes with a loaded weapon in each for when I'm distracted within the shop....just in case. A shotgun leaning in each corner. It'll be a bad day for them when someone decides they gotta have my cars/tools/toys..........

 

[bygasper]

I have been 40 years in the security business, but I cannot help you much with homemade/homebuilt suggestions. Others here may be able to help with that, but I would suggest that you install and/or have professionally installed the most comprehensive system you can afford.

At the very least, I would have a monitored security system, with Uplink backup communications and/or long-range radio data-link, in addition to the phone line. Sensor choice will depend on your building, but perimeter and interior motion, with glass-break detection, if that applies. Loud local, interior and exterior siren with timed cutoff (typically 15-20 minutes).

In addition, install several outdoor and interior high-res cameras, with local and off-premise time-date-stamped recording. This will allow you to view live and recorded video from anywhere you have access to a computer or smartphone.

Other things that you should do include improving physical security of your building, tools and other valuables. Locked tool boxes when away from the shop; better deadbolt locks and higher sercurity striker plates; motion-activated lights; both outside and in you garage/shop, and if you buy a safe, buy a good one, and bolt it both to the concrete floor (4 bolts), and through the back of the safe (2 bolts) to the wall.

Might seem like a lot,, but what will it cost you to repair all the damage, and replace all the tools and equipment? And then you're right back where you started; still with no security.

I agree with the above! I've been robbed. The safe should have door bolts on at least three sides. And like said above, bolt it down well!! Alarm system! I can check mine and my cameras anywhere that I have a cell signal in North America.


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[Blue XJ]

Pictures of everything in the garage and a good insurance policy. In Michigan I'm not allowed to use force to stop someone from stealing my things, so at least I'll get the insurance to buy me new ones if they get stolen.

 

[Blue XJ]

I agree with the above! I've been robbed. The safe should have door bolts on at least three sides. And like said above, bolt it down well!! Alarm system! I can check mine and my cameras anywhere that I have a cell signal in North America.


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What camera setup is it? If you don't mind saying online. I like the thought of that for a few cameras around the outside of the house.

 

[twertsy]

Pictures of everything in the garage and a good insurance policy. In Michigan I'm not allowed to use force to stop someone from stealing my things, so at least I'll get the insurance to buy me new ones if they get stolen.

NOT true:

MICHIGAN SELF-DEFENSE ACT (EXCERPT) – Act 309 of 2006

780.972 Use of deadly force by individual not engaged in commission of crime; conditions.

Sec. 2.

(1) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses deadly force may use deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if either of the following applies:

(a) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent death of or imminent great bodily harm to himself or herself or to another individual.

(b) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent ****** assault of himself or herself or of another individual.

(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

 

[Jlbc212]

What camera setup is it? If you don't mind saying online. I like the thought of that for a few cameras around the outside of the house.

Check out Logitech cameras. They make them for inside and outside use. They use the house / garage electrical system to send live pictures to a computer and your cell-phone. They are also motion activated, in that they will alert you when they detect motion. They are not expensive to buy and you should be able to install them yourself.

 

[twertsy]

Check out Logitech cameras. They make them for inside and outside use. They use the house / garage electrical system to send live pictures to a computer and your cell-phone. They are also motion activated, in that they will alert you when they detect motion. They are not expensive to buy and you should be able to install them yourself.

I have these and the only issue I really have with them is that they can't be integrated into any of the "typical" security vendor solutions. They are nice as a "back up" system though and they seem to work really well. I just wish I could integrate them into my security network.

 

[greaseswabber]

NOT true:

MICHIGAN SELF-DEFENSE ACT (EXCERPT) – Act 309 of 2006

780.972 Use of deadly force by individual not engaged .

All of that says you can defend yourself or another person from attack. It does not say you can defend property.

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[Ohio Auto]

I have a monitored security system installed. Also I have NO windows anywhere in my shop.

I for one heavily discount the advantages of cameras. But that's just me.

 

[nolimits76]

All of that says you can defend yourself or another person from attack. It does not say you can defend property.

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Correct. Or in other words, it would be illegal to set a booby trap where a gun would fire on an unauthorized entrance.

However, if you are in the shop and someone breaks in then you have a right to stop a crime (prevent them from stealing) without using deadly force. If they charge you or attempt to hurt you (and you reasonably believe your life is danger) then you can put them down, legally. Obviously things have to make sense here when the police investigate -- maybe they have a crow bar in their hand, a gun, they can't be shot in the back, etc.

 

[Will S.]

There are also things you can do to increase the level of security of your home and shop, without spending a bunch of money.

Remove the garage door rope release, and disable the mechanism, so it can't be released from outside, using a rod. If you are installing a new door opener, buy a jackshaft opener with the automatic deadbolt track lock. Otherwise, when you are away on business of vacation, unplug the opener, and put a bolt through the track.

If your breaker panel is easily accesses, put a lock on the cover, so no one can just flip open a panel, and turn off the shop lights, motion lights, etc. Install your CCTV digital recorder in a remote location, and build or buy a lock-box. If you buy one, it will be ventilated, and have a fan and power strip in it. If you build one, incorporate those features, so the electronics stays within operating temperatures, and incluse a battery backup system, so the cameras and recorder keep on running during a power outage.

Move your phone lines and connection box from outside your building, to inside. If the wiring is aerial, have it enter the building high up, or run it in conduit, into the building. Better yet is buried line, not exposed outside.

Good lighting is important, and necessary for most DIY cameras, as they have limited in the dark. Better quality professionally installed cameras cost quite a bit more, but provide high detail in starlight or total darkness, but I would put the money into doing the other things first.

I'm sure there are more things you can think of doing to secure your property. It is worth the time, effort and money it takes to do this, and you may also get a discount on insurance premiums.

 

[Blue XJ]

NOT true:

MICHIGAN SELF-DEFENSE ACT (EXCERPT) – Act 309 of 2006

780.972 Use of deadly force by individual not engaged in commission of crime; conditions.

Sec. 2.

(1) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses deadly force may use deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if either of the following applies:

(a) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent death of or imminent great bodily harm to himself or herself or to another individual.

(b) The individual honestly and reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent ****** assault of himself or herself or of another individual.

(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

No where does this say I can use deadly force if someone is stealing stuff out of my garage. I agree that I can (and will) use it if mine or my family's life is in danger.

 

[twertsy]

My philosophy: If I'm in there at the time, I'm in danger.........

 

[MonoxieChild]

Both of my garages have an alley backing up to them, and im always worried about "night walkers". So i took a 1/4 inch thick chunk of 5x10in steel, and have that bolted on the inside frame of my door. So if anyone thinks there gonna kick my door in police style, there gonna find a massive chunk of steel not allowing the locks to get kicked in on the door frame.

I also dont have any windows on my current garages. At my last house, i had two, which i used car window tint so no one could see in, but i could see out ok, and then i welded up a metal guard on the inside so even if they broke out the window, they werent gonna get inside.

You can see the chunk of steel in this shot. Please dont hate on the garage too much as ive only been in this house a month, and havent had alot of time to worry about the garage as im still busy organizing the house.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q79/s720x720/1009985_10151852011591455_4429410_n.jpg

 

[Blue XJ]

Correct. Or in other words, it would be illegal to set a booby trap where a gun would fire on an unauthorized entrance.

However, if you are in the shop and someone breaks in then you have a right to stop a crime (prevent them from stealing) without using deadly force. If they charge you or attempt to hurt you (and you reasonably believe your life is danger) then you can put them down, legally. Obviously things have to make sense here when the police investigate -- maybe they have a crow bar in their hand, a gun, they can't be shot in the back, etc.

Not a path I would like to take, obviously. If it comes down to it thats fine, but I'd rather not have my life in jeopardy.

Good lighting and a barking dog seemed to have worked so far for me. My neighbors are usually home all day too, we all keep an eye out for people that don't belong..

And your can't be shot in the back statement isn't totally true. It does heavily depend on the situation, but just because you hit their back, doesn't mean they were retreating. I've taken many courses about self defense and criminal law.

 

[UIUC-Mech-E]

My philosophy: If I'm in there at the time, I'm in danger.........

In some cases that works but it comes down to what a jury is likely to believe. In most cases deadly force is defensible if you reasonably believe someone has the intent, means, and opportunity to do you physical harm but laws vary depending on where you are. In IL you can use deadly force to prevent a felony on your property and there is no explicit duty of retreat, but shooting a scrawny teenager stealing your toolbox is still likely to land you in court and ruin your life unless you look smaller and less threatening than him.



(Insert catchy saying here)

 

[Stuart in MN]

I don't think the original poster was looking for an arguement on the fine points of the Michigan self defense law, since he's in CT...

Back to the subject, what kinds of security do you have in place now? It will help people to understand where you may or may not need improvements.

 

[nolimits76]

I don't think the original poster was looking for an arguement on the fine points of the Michigan self defense law, since he's in CT...

Maybe his primary residence is in CT, and his shop is in MI.

On a serious note, all states have laws about things like this. We are wise to research and understand the laws where we live & play. Because, for many of us, when we think security -- guns and lethal force usually become a topic of discussion.

 

[66Caprice]

Both of my garages have an alley backing up to them, and im always worried about "night walkers". So i took a 1/4 inch thick chunk of 5x10in steel, and have that bolted on the inside frame of my door. So if anyone thinks there gonna kick my door in police style, there gonna find a massive chunk of steel not allowing the locks to get kicked in on the door frame.

I also dont have any windows on my current garages. At my last house, i had two, which i used car window tint so no one could see in, but i could see out ok, and then i welded up a metal guard on the inside so even if they broke out the window, they werent gonna get inside.

You can see the chunk of steel in this shot. Please dont hate on the garage too much as ive only been in this house a month, and havent had alot of time to worry about the garage as im still busy organizing the house.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q79/s720x720/1009985_10151852011591455_4429410_n.jpg

That is a nice start for your door,same set up my brother had. came home one day from work and they had kicked until the Stanley steel door folded in the middle allowing them to walk in..... Key advise,reinforce the door as well as the jamb.

 

[MonoxieChild]

Key advise,reinforce the door as well as the jamb.

Never thought id need more. But i have a welder, and lots of steel scrap. I think i could come up with something. Maybe even do something artistic at the same time so you cant really tell its actually a security thing.

 

[Higgins]

For those individuals that live in a rural area, and response time is lengthy, you may want to add a Repulsar I or IV to your garage. Can be connected to an alarm system, or connected to a door switch with an adjustable timer. Device will cover up to 2,400 sq ft!

AL

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have an eight camera set up that records continuously, that gives some piece of mind in the event of something happening. I have a monitored alarm that is only as good as the police response time, that varies a lot here.

The single most important thing that I have done is adopt the "If they don't know it's there, they won't come after it". Almost all theft is an inside job, or at least a staked out job. Just don't let people know what you have and your ahead of the game.

 

[venturesomerite]

Added details about current security to the first post.

 

[jethrodawg]

My garage has motion sensor so even if they do get in and not trip the door alarm, it's going to scream and notify police.

I totally agree with another poster, minimize letting people know what you have. Unfortuntately you can't always help with with contractors, repairmen, etc who come to your house.

I'm a believer in the alarm being big deterent and mitigating what can happen. There is nothing full proof.

 

[ttpete]

No where does this say I can use deadly force if someone is stealing stuff out of my garage. I agree that I can (and will) use it if mine or my family's life is in danger.

If you have an attached garage, it is part of the house. And under MI law, a home invader is fair game. The fact that he broke into an occupied home is evidence that he intended violence toward the occupants.

Ref. Act No. 311, Public Acts of 2006, State of Michigan

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Just say the intruder threatened to kill you if you didn't hand over your tools or money. They really wouldn't be able to contest what they said if they don't survive. I have no compassion for someone who willfully enters someone else's property with the intent to steal goods or harm a person.

 

[venturesomerite]

lets just end the michigan debate. Yes you should know your local laws if you even intend to use a weapon in defense, but it is not the topic.

I don't think the original poster was looking for an arguement on the fine points of the Michigan self defense law, since he's in CT...

x2

 

[UIUC-Mech-E]

Getting back to the things you can do to the garage, take a moment to consider what would happen if someone were to get inside. Things which are portable and look easy to pawn will be grabbed first. Things that look valuable but are too heavy to grab will invite return visits with a vehicle. I try to make sure cheap tools are apparent and easily carried off while the good stuff is in cabinets or hard to remove drawers where they must be gathered bit by bit. You will still lose some stuff but it might be easier to replace.
If you're really paranoid you could build in hidden storage areas, but unless you're in a very remote area a thief will not stick around to long enough to paw through everything in your shop


(Insert catchy saying here)

 

[Stevie-Ray]

No where does this say I can use deadly force if someone is stealing stuff out of my garage. I agree that I can (and will) use it if mine or my family's life is in danger.

Well now you've changed it to deadly force-originally you said you couldn't use force to stop people from stealing your stuff.

Pictures of everything in the garage and a good insurance policy. In Michigan I'm not allowed to use force to stop someone from stealing my things, so at least I'll get the insurance to buy me new ones if they get stolen.

That's not exactly right as was pointed out:

(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

Stealing property would be unlawful use of force, especially if cutting locks, breaking windows, etc. You can do anything short of deadly force to stop them, wrestle them to the ground, pound them into submission, whatever you need to do to stop them. You can ratchet up your force as you need to meet whatever resistance you get. Pretty sure that's what twertsy meant.

 

[PetesPonies]

Simplisafe is very inexpensive, easy to install and will call you whenever the alarm goes off or even if the alarm is turned off system. I love it. Using a phone or computer app, you can monitor what is happening using real time, turn it off or on. Really nice technology for practically no money.

 

[machineshop]

Good ideas so far. But before you invest into an alarm system or in security cameras search the www for "bypassing an alarm system" and "bypassing security cameras"

 

[Reco Very]

Camera's, Alarms, Lights, and locks will not stop the determined. As a recent victim, I can tell you the aftermath is brutal. We had camera's with pictures of faces, vehicles, and plate numbers, so yes they were caught. BUT, not before our stuff was gone. Only 10 percent of our stuff was recovered. Make SURE you can prove what is yours by engraving, and taking pictures. Then make sure you have ALL of it listed with your insurance at replacement value. We were surprised to learn what it cost to replace stuff I bought years ago.

 

[twertsy]

Well now you've changed it to deadly force-originally you said you couldn't use force to stop people from stealing your stuff.


That's not exactly right as was pointed out:

(2) An individual who has not or is not engaged in the commission of a crime at the time he or she uses force other than deadly force may use force other than deadly force against another individual anywhere he or she has the legal right to be with no duty to retreat if he or she honestly and reasonably believes that the use of that force is necessary to defend himself or herself or another individual from the imminent unlawful use of force by another individual.

Stealing property would be unlawful use of force, especially if cutting locks, breaking windows, etc. You can do anything short of deadly force to stop them, wrestle them to the ground, pound them into submission, whatever you need to do to stop them. You can ratchet up your force as you need to meet whatever resistance you get. Pretty sure that's what twertsy meant.

Yup...........

 

[PetesPonies]

With Simplisafe it work with cell phone technology. So no wires to cut, phone or power. The alarm is going to trigger. It calls your cell phone. That way you know immediately.

 

[nolimits76]

Camera's, Alarms, Lights, and locks will not stop the determined. As a recent victim, I can tell you the aftermath is brutal. We had camera's with pictures of faces, vehicles, and plate numbers, so yes they were caught. BUT, not before our stuff was gone. Only 10 percent of our stuff was recovered. Make SURE you can prove what is yours by engraving, and taking pictures. Then make sure you have ALL of it listed with your insurance at replacement value. We were surprised to learn what it cost to replace stuff I bought years ago.

This is good info. Always have a thorough listing of all your stuff. This goes for inside your house as well. Theft, fires, etc can wipe you out. Obviously recording model numbers, serial numbers, etc on as many items as possible. Don't forget the small stuff either. To compliment your list, take a video. Put the list and video in a different location (bank vault, etc) in case you need in the future. Don't forget to update periodically. It is a pain in the ***, but if you've ever been robbed you understand the value.

People have broke in and robbed stuff from my cars before. I've had several friends that have experienced home robberies, which are far worse. They all leave you feeling violated. And in my friends case, they learned the hard way the value of the lists and videos.

One time, the thieves that broke into my car was caught and went to jail for their crimes (hit my car and several others). First time I walked to my mailbox and got a check from the Dept of Corrections on behalf of that person for the **** they stole from me I smiled. It felt damn good knowing they were paying for their crimes.

 

[Mr.A]

I live in the sticks in the middle of 10 acres with trees on all 4 sides. We have had some break-ins in the area, steeling tools, grab and run. The cops mostly suspect teenagers looking for tools to turn into quick cash. I have been worried about my place so I covered the windows, no light in the shop but try to flood the area with outside light. I have a motion detector that turns on a radio and a light in the shop is someone gets in, this is a cheap way of startling them. One thing that I just recently added for $14 form HF is a drive way alarm. Wireless motion sensor above my toolbox and the beeper in my bedroom. Best thing in the world and cheap. Only downfall is it wakes the baby sometime and my wife turns it off and forgets to tune it back on.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Camera's, Alarms, Lights, and locks will not stop the determined. As a recent victim, I can tell you the aftermath is brutal. We had camera's with pictures of faces, vehicles, and plate numbers, so yes they were caught. BUT, not before our stuff was gone. Only 10 percent of our stuff was recovered. Make SURE you can prove what is yours by engraving, and taking pictures. Then make sure you have ALL of it listed with your insurance at replacement value. We were surprised to learn what it cost to replace stuff I bought years ago.

Yes. Even with so-called "replacement costs" they give you what amounts to the replacement-then deduct the depreciation, which amounts to a net jack-****. Example: a $249 foosball table "replaced" by my insurance company (State Farm) was quoted to me with a $459 "replacement cost." Cool. But then after depreciation, since my foosball table was years old, even though in perfect condition, they gave me a net $120.

With Simplisafe it work with cell phone technology. So no wires to cut, phone or power. The alarm is going to trigger. It calls your cell phone. That way you know immediately.

I'm hearing more and more about Simplisafe-really none of it bad. When I improve my security system, I'm definitely looking to them first. I'll probably leave my original system as well and have layers.