Over my years serving Tacoma homeowners, I’ve seen a disturbing trend: break-ins through garage doors using a simple technique called “fishing.” This method allows thieves to bypass your garage door in seconds using nothing more than a coat hanger. I want you to understand exactly how this works and what we can do to protect your home.
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What Is Garage Door Fishing and How Does It Work?
Garage door fishing is a break-in technique where thieves insert a wire tool through the top of your garage door to hook and pull the emergency release cord. Once they pull this red handle, your garage door disconnects from the opener, allowing them to lift it manually from the outside.
I’ve responded to several calls in Pierce County where homeowners discovered this vulnerability the hard way. The worst part? It leaves no visible damage, so you might not even know someone accessed your garage. Learning more about How To Protect Your Home From Break-Ins Through The Garage Door can help you stay one step ahead of criminals.
Why Older Garage Doors in Tacoma Are More Vulnerable
Many homes throughout neighborhoods like West Tacoma and Beacon Hill have garage doors with gaps at the top seal. Our Pacific Northwest weather, with constant rain and temperature fluctuations, can warp door panels and degrade weatherstripping over time.
These gaps create the perfect opening for a fishing tool. If you can see daylight when your door is closed, a thief can likely insert a wire.
Simple Ways to Prevent Fishing Break-Ins
The good news is that preventing this type of break-in doesn’t require expensive upgrades. Here are the methods I recommend to every client:
- Install a shield or zip-tie: Secure a plastic shield over your emergency release or use zip-ties to lock the release lever in place (you can still cut them in a real emergency)
- Replace worn weatherstripping: Fresh top and side seals eliminate the gaps thieves exploit
- Add a deadbolt: A manual garage door lock provides an extra layer of security when you’re away
- Upgrade to a modern opener: Newer models with integrated security features make fishing attempts much harder
- Keep your door maintained: Regular tune-ups ensure seals stay tight and panels remain aligned
Should You Disable Your Emergency Release Completely?
No, you should never completely disable your emergency release. Fire codes and Garage Door Safety regulations require this feature so you can manually exit during power outages or emergencies. Instead, secure it using the methods I mentioned above that still allow access from inside your garage.
Let Us Help Secure Your Tacoma Home
I’ve helped countless Washington homeowners protect their garages from fishing attacks with simple, affordable solutions. Our team at Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair Of Tacoma can assess your door’s vulnerability, replace worn seals, install security devices, and recommend the best protection strategy for your specific situation. We can also help if you’re experiencing Noise Troubles With Your Garage Door or need replacement Garage Door Parts.
Don’t wait until you become a target. Contact us today for a security assessment, and let’s make sure your garage door isn’t an easy entry point for thieves.
