How Thieves Get Past Automatic Carport Doors
If you have an enclosed carport with automatic doors, you probably assume your car will always be safe and secure. This could not be further from the truth. Thieves know how to get past automatic carport doors, and they can often do it in seconds. This is mainly because as technology advances, so do thieving tactics. If you understand how thieves operate in 2024, you can make your carport safer. Below are some strategies a thief may use to get into your carport.
Weak Access Codes
Just like you should not choose a weak ATM pin, you should never choose a weak access code for your carport doors. Your doors probably came with a preset code like 0000 or 1234. This makes it incredibly easy for thieves to bypass the doors and get into your carport. To prevent this, you can do the following:
Change your default codes if you have not done so already.
Do not use predictable patterns for your new code.
Change your codes every couple of months.
Signal Interception
Your carport door remote relies on radio frequency signals. Thieves can often intercept these signals using a small device that interferes with the remote and door transmission. In the U.S., this is known as a replay attack.Once the thief captures the signal, they can replicate it. This means they can come back and access your carport. Upgrading to rolling code technology can make it impossible for a thief to use a replicated signal. This feature changes the code after every use. You could also use a secure wireless signal encryption system, which is hard to intercept and decode. At the very least, you should not leave remote controls in your car when you are parked outside the carport. If someone gets hold of the remote, they can access your carport and everything inside it.
Hacking Smart Systems
If you prefer the convenience of smart automatic carport doors, you have other things to worry about. A thief can hack poorly secured or outdated smart home networks. This usually happens because of weak Wi-Fi passwords or unsecured mobile apps. Ensure your smart carport door system is encrypted and only use password-protected networks. If you see an available update, run it immediately to patch any security holes in the system. You should also update your home’s Wi-Fi password and the one you use for the app that controls the door. If you are still worried about unauthorized access, enable two-factor authentication for the app.
Bypassing Sensors and Safety Features
Your carport doors have sensors that keep them from slamming into your car or people. While sensors offer safety, they can also be exploited by thieves who block them so they malfunction. Doing this offers an easy entry point to your carport. A thief usually places an object in front of the sensor to prevent the door from closing or to force it to reverse its path. If this happens when you go out, your carport and the rest of your property will be vulnerable. Inspect and test your sensors regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Invest in extra security measures like motion detectors or cameras. These will notify you if someone tries to tamper with your carport doors. If your sensors are outdated, upgrade them to advanced technology, which is more difficult to manipulate. Using ForceSome thieves will forego sophisticated break-in methods and try to break down your carport doors instead. This usually happens with older carport doors that lack reinforcing materials. You can stop this from happening with high-quality, smart carport doors. Reinforce the tracks and hinges and also use a secondary locking system.
Following You Inside
Following victims inside is one of the most terrifying tactics thieves use. If you open your carport doors and drive inside, always close them immediately. If you sit in your car for a few minutes with the carport doors open, you make it easy for thieves to sneak inside. Always be vigilant when entering or exiting your carport. Install motion sensors around the driveway to alert you to unusual activity. Consider using smart technology that closes the door automatically. Many of these devices use a timer function and automatically close the carport or garage doors after 15 minutes of opening.
Make Your Carport Immune to Thieves in 2024 and Beyond
Staying informed about how thieves can break into your carport is crucial. Take all the necessary steps to ensure your automatic doors do not open to the wrong people. This will greatly reduce the risk of a break-in or, worse, a home invasion.