We often focus on securing front and back doors as well as our windows as the primary point of entry to protect our homestead against burglary. But many overlook the garage doors which are perfect for burglars.
That is why upgrading from a manual to an electric garage door provides the convenience of remote access and is one of the most proactive and financially sound security investments you can make for your home.
While most people focus on securing their front and back doors, criminals know that the garage is often easier to breach and typically houses valuable, portable goods.
The threat is particularly elevated for those in the South East London area. Local annual burglary crime figures stand at 7 crimes per 1,000 people, making the rate 184% higher than the national average. What’s more, while national figures fluctuate, the number of burglary crimes in South East London has recently increased by 1.6% year-over-year.
This high-risk, rising local trend makes the garage door a critical security consideration. Statistics show that approximately one in five house burglaries involve entry through the garage, and the resulting financial hit can be substantial. The stolen items alone often total £1,000 or more in non-connected outbuilding incidents, not including the cost of door damage.
The cost of a burglary in terms of stolen goods, damage, and emotional stress far outweighs the cost of preventative security measures.
Manual garage doors, particularly older up-and-over models, rely on simple lock mechanisms that are susceptible to common prying tools. Instead, modern electric garage doors feature inherent security elements that create a formidable barrier:
By eliminating common attack vectors and relying on the mechanical strength of the operating system, an electric garage door actively deters intrusion and ensures that if a potential thief attempts entry, they are almost certain to fail.
The return on investment (ROI) for an electric garage door provides benefits in two key areas: loss prevention (especially vital in high-crime areas like South East London) and increased home value and efficiency.
A high-quality, modern electric door instantly boosts curb appeal and signals to potential buyers that the property is secure and well-maintained. This can significantly increase the perceived and actual resale value of your home, with garage door replacements often recouping a high percentage of their cost at sale.
Modern electric garage doors feature insulated panels, drastically improving the thermal efficiency of the garage space. This is essential if the garage connects directly to your main house or if you use it as a heated workspace. Despite being “electric,” the running costs are negligible. Most modern motors use very little energy, meaning the power savings from better insulation will likely offset the operational cost.
Security and investment are the core advantages, but the daily experience is what truly transforms your home. The daily convenience of an electric garage door transforms your routine, particularly during bad weather. Modern systems offer instant, effortless access via a small remote control or even through a smartphone app, integrating the door into your smart home ecosystem.
Beyond accessibility, electric systems prioritise safety, a feature essential for families. All high-quality electric motors include advanced safety sensors. These detectors instantly register any obstruction like a child, a pet, or an object in the door’s path and automatically reverse the movement. This feature alone makes the upgrade worthwhile, moving your garage access from a manual chore to a seamless, secure, and worry-free experience.
The style of your new electric garage door can make or break your property’s first impression. Modern electric doors come in a range of sophisticated designs that drastically improve curb appeal. Forget the clunky, old-fashioned up-and-over doors; today’s options include sleek sectional garage doors that lift vertically or space-saving roller garage doors that coil neatly above the opening.
Choosing a modern design in a durable finish such as insulated steel panels with wood-grain effects or contemporary anthracite grey instantly modernises your home’s exterior. This is an aesthetic upgrade that complements the security and efficiency benefits, truly making the door a feature, not just a functional barrier.
Given the rising local crime figures, the real question is whether you can afford the financial and emotional cost of a burglary. Upgrading to a durable, secure electric garage door is an investment that protects your family’s safety and enhances your property’s value.
It’s time to stop treating your garage door as an afterthought and start treating it as the primary security barrier it is. Don’t wait to replace the weakest link in your home’s security. If you live in South East London, taking proactive steps is more important than ever.
Don’t delay securing your home and gaining convenient access. Book your Riverside Survey today:
