Detached garages, workshops, barns, and outbuildings often contain some of the most valuable property on a home or small business site. Tools, lawn equipment, motorcycles, generators, electronics, and other high-value items can make these buildings attractive targets for theft.
Unfortunately, detached structures are also easy to overlook when planning a security system. Because they may be separated from the main building, have multiple entry points, or sit outside normal view, they often require a slightly different security strategy.
Here are some of the most effective ways to protect a detached garage or workshop.
Secure Every Exterior Door
Start with the most obvious entry points.
Every exterior door should have a strong lock and solid hardware. A high-quality deadbolt is generally preferable to relying only on a locking door handle.
Check the door frame as well. Even a strong lock provides limited protection if the strike plate or frame can easily be forced apart.
For a detached garage or workshop connected to an alarm system, installing a wireless door sensor can provide immediate notification when the door opens while the system is armed.
If the building has more than one exterior door, each perimeter door should be protected individually.
Don't Forget the Overhead Garage Door
Overhead doors are one of the largest potential entry points into a garage.
Make sure the door closes completely and that the locking mechanism is functioning properly. If the garage uses an automatic opener, protect the remote controls and avoid leaving them inside vehicles parked outside.
A security system can also monitor an overhead garage door with the appropriate sensor, allowing you to know whether the door has been opened.
This is especially useful for detached garages that cannot easily be seen from inside the home.
Add Motion Detection Inside
A motion detector provides another important layer of protection.
If someone enters the building without opening a protected door or window normally, an interior motion detector can detect movement and trigger the alarm.
Motion detectors are particularly useful in workshops and larger garages because a single detector may be able to protect a large interior area.
Placement matters. The detector should have a clear view of likely walking paths while avoiding locations that may cause unnecessary alarms.
Protect Accessible Windows
Windows can be another vulnerable point, particularly when expensive tools or equipment are visible from outside.
Whenever possible, keep valuables out of direct sight.
Window sensors can detect when a window is opened, while glass-break detectors can provide additional protection by listening for the sound associated with breaking glass.
For buildings with several windows in the same area, a properly placed glass-break detector may help protect multiple windows at once.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras are especially valuable for detached buildings because they allow you to visually check the property without physically walking outside.
Consider placing cameras to cover:
- Exterior doors
- Overhead garage doors
- Driveways and approaches
- Windows
- Equipment storage areas
- Areas between the main building and detached structure
Outdoor cameras can help identify people approaching the building before they reach the door.
Indoor cameras can provide additional verification if someone enters the garage or workshop.
Depending on the camera system, features such as mobile alerts, recorded video clips, onboard recording, and cloud video storage can provide additional protection and documentation.
Improve Exterior Lighting
Dark areas around garages and workshops can provide concealment for someone attempting to enter the property.
Good exterior lighting makes activity around the building more visible and can also improve the quality of nighttime security-camera footage.
Motion-activated lighting can be especially useful around:
- Garage doors
- Side doors
- Walkways
- Driveways
- Rear areas of the building
Lighting should complement your security cameras rather than shine directly into the camera lens.
Use Cellular Security When Possible
Detached structures sometimes create challenges for traditional wiring or internet connectivity.
Modern wireless alarm systems can make it much easier to protect buildings where running wires would be expensive or inconvenient.
Cellular-connected security systems can also continue communicating even if the property's internet service is interrupted.
Depending on the property layout and distance between buildings, wireless sensors, repeaters, or a dedicated system may be appropriate.
Keep Tools and Equipment Organized
Security isn't limited to electronics.
Maintain an inventory of valuable equipment, including:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Serial number
- Purchase date
- Photographs
For expensive tools or equipment, marking or recording identifying information can help with documentation if something is stolen.
Avoid leaving expensive equipment directly in front of windows or open garage doors where it can easily be seen from the street.
Use Multiple Layers of Security
The best security strategy usually doesn't depend on a single device.
For example, a detached workshop might include:
- Strong locks and reinforced doors
- Door and window sensors
- Interior motion detection
- Exterior and interior security cameras
- Exterior lighting
- Alarm notifications or professional monitoring
Each layer serves a different purpose. Physical security makes entry more difficult, alarm sensors detect unauthorized access, and cameras provide visibility and recorded evidence.
Don't Leave Detached Buildings Out of Your Security Plan
Your security system should protect more than the front door of your home or business.
Detached garages and workshops frequently contain thousands of dollars in tools, equipment, vehicles, and other property. Adding the right combination of sensors, cameras, lighting, and monitoring can significantly improve protection.
Catawba Security can help you build a security system designed around your property and the areas you actually need to protect.
