If you have a garage...

If you have a garage, it’s obviously the safest place to store your car. But just because your vehicle is out of sight doesn’t mean it’s out of a thief’s mind. The locks on up-and-over doors are notoriously weak, and won’t prove much of a barrier to a determined criminal.

What’s more, garages aren’t only used for cars. Although a lock-up is often regarded as a junkyard, for many motorists it’s a valuable space in which to keep everything from tools and power washers to bigger items such as bicycles, quad bikes and electrical goods.

So it definitely pays to make garage security a priority. And the first thing to do is note down any serial numbers on relevant propч­erty. A few digital snaps, even if they are only on your phone, will help in the event of a break-in. Also, when putting your car away for the night, be sure to lock and alarm it, otherwise your insurer may not pay up if it’s stolen.

There’s no point advertising what’s worth stealing, so consider who’s wandering around the area before you flip open the door. And don’t leave it gaping wide for long periods – apart from the obvious risk of casual opportunist theft, it gives a clued-up burglar plenty of time to see if returning for a more detailed examination is worth their while.

You should take a three-stage approach to security. First, use deterrents, such as automatic lighting and visible camera systems. Then make life hard for criminals with uprated locks and bolts. Finally, fit alarms to alert you and your neighч­bours should someone actually break in.

Using security products approved by the insurer-backed Sold Secure or Thatcham orgч­anisations can sometimes bring you a discount on your premium. To prevent thieves breaking through the lock, Sold Secure recommends the Garage Defender. This bolts to the ground outч­side the lock-up, and resists attempts to open the door. The чЈ59.99 kit comprises an armour-plated lock, three keys and a rawlbolt set for concrete. A tarmac version is чЈ69.99.

The Rhino SRT/RD4 Driveway Post works on the same principle. It’s a heavy-duty telescopic security post which locks into place, and costs чЈ188 plus installation. To prevent corrosion, the pole is powder-coated. Features include easy, push-button operation, while the post has an extended height of 480mm.

Given that most thefts occur in the hours of darkness, an infra-red security light is essenч­tial. A conventional 240V lamp costs from чЈ15. Alternatively, go for the чЈ39.99 twin-light Smart Solar Duo, which works without electricity.

You can make your belongings less desirable by marking them with an ultraviolet pen which shows up only under UV light. The чЈ8.99 KJ91Y pack from Maplin includes a UV lamp, marker and warning stickers. For expensive items, Datatag’s kit has etching stencils, electronic transponders and tiny Datadot serial numbers. The unique numbers are logged with Datatag and can be cross-referenced if stolen goods are recovered. The set is чЈ59.98.

If money is no object in your bid to beat the crooks, go for CCTV. A waterproof camera can be used outdoors, and a wireless unit is more secure. Voltek’s CMS500 comprises a wireless IR sensor and five-inch mono monitor for чЈ146. The CMS1100 has a 2.5-inch colour screen and costs чЈ188, while the firm’s чЈ399 DVR4KIT1 gets four mono cameras and can record continuously to a hard drive for up to a week.

Five top tips to deter thieves...

1 With older-style twin garage doors, use a top-quality padlock and strong hasp/staple with its bolt heads hidden. A steel plate inside prevents the fixing bolts from being pulled through. Don’t leave door hinges exposed, however, as a thief could simply remove the doors.

2 If there’s a standard door either on the lock-up or linking the garage with the house, you should keep it properly secured at all times. Any glass section should have a grille, and the lock itself should be at least a five-lever set-up.

3 A steel grille over the windows will make life hard for the thief, and put up a clear notice that you’re taking security seriously. Fix it solidly to the wall, ideally using steel plates.

4 Secure motorbikes with a thick chain and heavy-duty padlock to a steel base or post set in concrete.

5 After you have sorted out all the physical protection, fit an electronic alarm. Systems with a code to punch in are cheaper, but give the thief a few vital seconds before it triggers. We prefer units with remote alerts, so the attacker doesn’t know it’s gone off – just make sure you renew the batteries. A system with an infra-red movement sensor and pin switches on entry points gives the best coverage.