Think Your Garage Keeps Your Car Safe? Thieves Might Disagree

You pull into your garage, hit the button, and watch the door roll down. Your car’s safe, right? It’s in the garage. Well, not so fast. A garage is better than the street, no doubt, but it’s not a fortress. Thieves are getting bold, hitting garages in big cities like Chicago and Seattle, and even in quieter spots across Illinois and Washington.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2023 report, vehicle thefts from residential garages jumped over 10% in dense urban areas. Why? Garages are like treasure chests for crooks—fancy pickups, luxury SUVs, classic cars, and sometimes a stash of pricey tools, all tucked away with nobody watching.

Here’s how to keep your ride safe and stop thieves from turning your garage into their playground.

How Thieves Are Sneaking Into Your Garage

These aren’t just random punks. Professional thieves have tricks that’ll make your jaw drop:

Hacking your garage door: They use gadgets like code grabbers or universal remotes to pop your door open in seconds.
Swiping your remote: Left your garage remote in your car? A thief grabs it and comes back later when you’re asleep.
Unlocked side doors: Tons of folks leave the door from the garage to the house unlocked. That’s an open invite to grab your keys or fob.
Tailgating in shared garages: In apartment complexes, crooks slip in right behind you before the gate closes. A 2024 Seattle news report caught thieves hitting multiple cars in one night this way.

Once they’re in, they’ve got all the time and privacy they need to steal your car or strip it for parts.

Why Garages Aren’t as Safe as You Think

It’s easy to get cocky when your car’s in the garage. You might leave your keys on the seat or tools in the back, thinking, “It’s fine, it’s locked up.” Big mistake. Thieves love that false sense of security, it’s like you’re handing them the keys. Shared garages, like in apartments or condos, are even riskier. With cars and people coming and going, a crook can blend in like they belong there.

Cops in Illinois and Washington keep sounding the alarm about this, but too many folks still think their garage is bulletproof.

Lock Down Your Garage with These Moves

Don’t let thieves catch you slipping. Here’s how to make your garage a tougher target:

Lock your car, even in the garage. Sounds basic, but it’s a game-changer.
Keep keys, fobs, and garage remotes out of your car. Stash them inside the house.
Set up cameras or motion sensors in your garage. A blinking light can scare off a thief.
Lock the door to your house. Don’t make it easy for someone to waltz in.
Double-check that your garage door closes all the way every time you pull in or out.

Toss in a steering wheel lock or a vehicle immobilizer, and you’re making it a real pain for any crook to mess with you.

LoJack: Your Backup When Thieves Get Through

Even with a locked garage, some thieves are just too slick. That’s where LoJack from VG Motors comes in clutch. It uses advanced GPS technology, hidden by pros so thieves can’t find or disable it. Unlike those cheap trackers that get jammed, LoJack’s hooked up directly with police departments nationwide.

If your car gets stolen, cops get real-time alerts and can track it down fast, most vehicles are back in under 24 hours, and plenty are recovered in just a couple of hours.

That’s not just security; that’s peace of mind, whether your car’s in the garage or on the road.

Don’t Let Thieves Outsmart Your Garage

A stolen car isn’t just a hassle, it’s a hit to your wallet, your schedule, and your sanity. You don’t have to live in fear, though. With a few smart habits and LoJack’s pro-level protection, you can keep your ride safe, no matter where you park.