Quick answer: To stop garage door break-ins in South Africa, homeowners should install rolling-code garage door automation, keep the door serviced and mechanically sound, add battery backup for load-shedding, and never leave remotes in the car. These steps close the easy entry points criminals look for, making your home a much tougher target.
Here’s a scary thought: your garage door might be the weakest link in your home’s security, and you don’t even know it. South Africa ranked third on the global Crime Index in 2023, with 76 crimes recorded for every 100,000 people. Stats SA’s latest survey found that an estimated 1.5 million housebreakings happened in 2024/25 alone, affecting roughly 1 in every 17 homes.
Garage doors are a favourite target because they’re often overlooked. An old motor, a worn remote, or a door left ajar for “just a minute” is all it takes. If you’re a homeowner in South Africa looking to lock down this vulnerable entry point, here’s exactly what to do.
What steps can homeowners take to prevent garage door break-ins?
Garage door break-ins in South Africa are largely a crime of opportunity. Over 30% of burglars get in through unlocked or poorly secured doors, without any force at all.
Luckily, a few practical upgrades can make your garage door far harder to breach.
1. Upgrade to rolling-code garage door automation
Older remotes broadcast a fixed code that criminals can intercept and clone from outside your home. Modern automation systems use rolling-code technology, generating a new code every time you press the button. This alone closes off one of the sneakiest ways burglars gain entry without leaving a trace.
2. Keep your door in good mechanical condition
A door that sticks, drags, or doesn’t close all the way is a security risk. Worn springs, damaged cables, or a door off its track can prevent your garage from sealing properly, leaving a gap criminals can exploit. Regular garage door repairs and maintenance keep every component working as it should.
3. Service your door annually
Just like a car, garage doors need regular check-ups. An annual service, covering lubrication, alignment, and safety testing, catches small issues before they become expensive (or dangerous) problems. It also ensures your automation system is working at full strength.
4. Add battery backup for load-shedding
Power outages can leave your automated door stuck open or vulnerable if you’re forced to bypass it manually. A battery backup keeps your automation running smoothly, even when the grid is off.
5. Never leave your remote in your car
It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. A stolen remote left in a cupholder gives criminals a direct, silent route into your garage. Keep it with your house keys instead.
6. Consider smart, app-connected motors
Many modern garage motors now connect to your smartphone, letting you check whether your door is closed and lock it remotely from anywhere. It’s a small convenience that adds a meaningful layer of control.
Secure your garage door with Adams Doors.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Adams Doors has spent over 30 years installing and repairing garage doors and automation systems across Gauteng and the Garden Route.
Ready to close the gap in your home security?
Get a quote from Adams Doors today.
Frequently asked questions
1. How common are garage door break-ins in South Africa?
Exact figures for garage-specific break-ins aren’t tracked separately, but South Africa recorded an estimated 1.5 million housebreaking incidents in 2024/25, according to Stats SA. Garage doors, especially older or poorly maintained ones, are a frequent point of entry.
2. Does garage door automation actually improve security?
Yes. Rolling-code automation replaces fixed-code remotes that can be cloned, and it removes the need to leave your garage door open while loading or unloading your car, one of the most common opportunities burglars exploit.
3. How often should I service my garage door?
Adams Doors recommends a professional service at least once a year to keep your door and motor running safely and reliably.
4. What should I do if my garage door won’t close properly?
A door that won’t seal fully is a security risk. Contact a professional for garage door repairs and maintenance as soon as possible rather than waiting for the problem to worsen.
