You might not think it at first, but garages are a common target for thieves. When you sit back and consider it, however, it’s relatively easy to see why. Your typical garage is not connected to the broader security system of a home, for one. For another, they’re usually reasonably easy to break into—They’re usually left open, or a manually-opened garage door is in use. They’re also unattended as a general rule. Most people really only access their garage when they’re parking a vehicle.

Add to those points the fact that, generally, there’s some expensive and easily portable valuables stored in a garage, and you’ve got some pretty pickings for a would-be thief. If you were to actually go through the average garage and tally the cost of what’s in there (power tools, bicycles, lawn mower, snow blower, etc.), it adds up pretty quickly. What are some things you can do to deter a thief targeting your garage, though? Well, I’m glad you asked.

As said earlier, manual garage doors are easy enough to open. If you have a manual-open door, it’s worth investing in an automatic opener. These setups serve a double function of convenience and, more importantly, are much more difficult for a thief to force. Don’t forget, though—Most automatic openers work on a keypad (remote or handheld) or button, so if you can, make the combination something that’s difficult to guess.

Take the time to check the door itself, too. If it looks damaged, or a panel seems like it’s loose, get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a good automatic door is going to be easy to crack if the actual structure of the door is weak. It’s also a good idea to make sure you close the door when you’re not actively in the garage. This sounds pretty basic, but it’s an all-too-common habit to fall into.

When speaking with a home security consultant, it might also be worth looking into how efficiently a security system can be extended to your garage. After all, it is a part of your property, and deserves the same level of attention the rest of your home receives.