Definition
A burglary method where an intruder flexes the top of a garage door inward, slips a stiff hooked wire (often a coat hanger) over the top panel, snags the red emergency release cord, and pulls it — disconnecting the opener so the door lifts by hand. It takes under a minute, makes almost no noise, and leaves no visible damage. An emergency-release shield, or a correctly installed zip-tie modification that still allows a firm inside pull, defeats the angle the wire needs.
Why this term matters for homeowners
Security terms cover how intruders actually target garage doors — the emergency-release fishing technique, code grabbing, unattended remotes — and the hardware and habits that shut those doors.
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Related pages
Category: Security & Burglary Protection