How do you secure your Garage/ Building from intruders?

Question

Hi BP members:

One of my tenants notified us that someone try to get access to the garage unit. They were unable to access any of the garage units as they are secured. This is the first time I have encountered this as the neighborhood is very safe.

Since this is my first experience with such an incident, what do you recommend?

1) Should I notify the authorities ( Nothing was taken as the doors were secured) - The door for the garage did have some damage

2) How do you secure your properties from such incidents? - Camera, ADT - Looking for a cost effective solution.

Thanks,

ZH.

William Osborne · Answer

It's probably not worth reporting now, especially if they did not make it inside the structure. Could have just been a kid looking to get into trouble. I would recommend lights and cheap sensors. Check out Mr. Beams lights that are sold at several places. Weather resistant, motion activated (with photocell), bright and efficient LED lights, and super easy to install. No electric to run, these run on regular batteries. Light up the space and no one will hang around. You can also look at getting some cheap door and window sensors that just make noise once something is opened. Depending on what you keep in the garage it might be worth looking at a security system like SImplySafe or LiveWatch.

Thomas S. · Answer

Is there anything of value in the garage.

Best option is to get security stickers and place them on the windows and set up a fake surveillance camera. The more security you install the more likely thieves will think there is something of value you are protecting.

I would stick to the basics of locking the doors and applying a security sticker.