Is your garage remote stolen? According to the FBI, almost 1.2 million burglaries occurred in the United States alone, resulting in nearly $3.4 billion in property losses. Even quality garage doors in Las Vegas can’t stop that from happening. Now, remember that burglars tend to prefer only a few entries. These include the front door, back doors, and, indeed, the garage door, a particularly vulnerable point of entry.
So, in this article, our primary focus lies on how homeowners can make the best use of the garage and protect their homes simultaneously. We will also discuss what to do if your garage door remote is stolen to further secure your house.
What do you do If the garage door remote is stolen?
It’s a startling reality that burglars are perpetually innovating their methods to infiltrate homes. This underscores the criticality of bolstering garage security. However, it’s important to note that no matter how fortified your garage door is, a stolen garage remote can render it useless, essentially serving as an open invitation to intruders.
One of their most common entrance includes the parking lot while looking out for unlocked vehicles. This is mainly because even the burglars know that you are accustomed to keeping the garage remote somewhere accessible. But even after you lock your garage door, you can still find your remote stolen. Under such circumstances, here are some of the most obvious precautions you can take:
Call the Police
When you find your garage remote stolen, make sure to call the police. Check everything else that might have been stolen from your car or house. You might also be asked about the approximate time when the stolen garage remote went missing.
Also, make sure to note the last time you saw and operated the garage remote. If any expensive item is missing, you should probably contact your insurance company as well.
Disabling the Garage Door Remote
The garage door remote is by far one of the most common ways to operate your garage door. Since 1993, the openers have used something known as rolling codes. This means the transmission code changes every time the garage door is operated. So, pressing the smart button will enable you to disable the garage door opener from registering the stolen garage remote.
Once you can access the new garage remote, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reprogram it. No less to say, most of the openers run using the same principle. However, the only variation occurs due to different manufacturers. Depending on the brand, the color of the LED can also greatly vary.
Bear in mind that you need to disconnect every other programmed device connected to the opener. Severing the connection ensures that the burglar won’t be able to make any move whatsoever. But make sure to understand that unplugging the opener is not the solution here. If you have a battery backup, the old codes might still be there.
Alternatives to Reprogramming the Opener
In some garage door models, you may find a control panel near the door. Pressing the lock button will ensure the keypad and remote control won’t work. So, under such circumstances, you can only use the opener to operate the garage door. So, when you get your hands on a new garage remote, this is one of the best ways to manage your garage door manually.
Making Use of the MyQ System
Most of the time, you may find that the garage door opener is always connected wirelessly. The MyQ technology, for starters, can easily manage intelligent garage door openers from most manufacturers. This will enable you to keep track of the garage door’s operation. You can also program your opener to only provide access via the smartphone app.
To revoke access from the stolen garage remote and the keypad, you only need to hold the learn button as long as possible until the LED turns off. This way, you can remove all the previous codes and turn off the remote control alone. Once you reprogram it, the opener will respond with flashing lights and two clicking sounds.
How to Prevent Garage Remote Theft
There is no rocket science to understand that no garage door repair company in Las Vegas can help you secure remotes. So, to prevent any garage remote theft, it is essential to keep them out of reach. For starters, ensure your garage remotes are adequately hidden and not within the car. That goes without saying: ensure you don’t park your vehicle in sketchy areas well.
Some of the other ways in which you can be proactive include:
- Do not park your car in front of the street. Instead, park it inside the garage.
- Make sure the doors joining the house and the garage are always locked.
- To get maximum protection, make sure that you add a deadbolt lock within the doors.
- Make sure to get an alternative garage remote that is small and compact. You can always keep it to yourself and attach it to a keychain.
- Connecting your garage to the smartphone will enable you to operate without a garage remote.
Contact the Professionals
If you need further assistance, contact Infinity Garage Door Repair. Our garage door repair service provides comprehensive coverage against such threats, and our latest technological implementation ensures that you don’t have to deal with such instances. So, what are you waiting for? Contact Infinity Garage Door and secure your home like never before.
Read more: How to Open Garage Doors Without Power From Outside
FAQ
Can someone open my garage door with a universal remote?
Modern garage door openers use rolling codes that change with each use, making it extremely difficult for universal remotes to work. However, older openers with fixed codes might be vulnerable.
What are the signs of a garage door malfunction that could affect security?
Look out for unusual noises, slow opening or closing, door reversing, broken springs, or any signs of forced entry.
How can I make my garage door opener more secure?
Upgrade to a smart opener with rolling codes, install a physical lock or auto lock, and add security cameras and motion-activated lights.
What should I do if I suspect someone has tried to break into my garage?
Contact the police immediately and report the incident. Also, check your garage door and opener for any signs of damage or tampering.
Remember: A stolen garage door remote is more than just an inconvenience. It’s a potential security threat. By taking swift action and implementing the steps outlined above, you can protect your home and regain your peace of mind.