Windows are an essential part of every home and they come with so many advantages. They allow us to see the outside world; let sunlight fill our rooms; and allow us to let fresh air in to help keep our homes well-ventilated. However, for all these positive properties windows also come with one major drawback, they are one of the most popular entry points for burglars and home invaders.
Windows are second only to doors when it comes to the most used entry points for burglars across the United States and are chosen 23% of the time. So it stands to reason that by making your windows burglar-proof you’ll be making your entire home more secure. This article looks at some of the measures you can take for better window security.
How you can make your window burglar proof
Whether you’ve lived in your property for a while, or are just moving in, there are a number of measures you can take to make your windows more secure. These range from simple DIY security improvements to the use of high tech security systems. In the below sections we’ll take a deeper look at some of these security measures.
Get a Window Latch
While keeping your windows closed and locked may be one of the safest options, it isn’t always the most practical. Windows are essential to our health and wellbeing because they allow fresh air to circulate in our rooms cooling us down, replenishing oxygen and helping prevent damp and mildew from forming. If you require a window to be open for this purpose a lockable window latch such as LockLatch provides an elegant solution. This ingenious device is made from C304 stainless steel and can be fitted to any window or door, whichever way it opens and whatever it is made of. It is also adjustable so it allows you to tailor the size of the opening to your needs, whether it is to let air or your favourite feline friend in.
INSTALL WINDOW SECURITY BARS
Window security bars come in a wide variety of styles and can be used to add an extra layer of security to just about any kind of window. However, windows that open outwards may be restricted depending on the type of bar used. While these measures are definitely effective they can be an eyesore, but there are a few companies applying minimalist design principles or alternatively creating more artistic interpretations.
Add additional window locks
Window locks and catches aren’t always the most secure. While this may vary from window to window these types of locks are often flimsy and prone to breaking or failing. That’s why it’s always a good idea to install supplementary window locks, particularly on the ground floor and street-facing windows. This can either take the form of secondary window catches or lockable window latches, which both serve to provide an extra layer of security
Keep windows closed at night
When a window doesn’t need to be open it should be kept closed and, if at all possible, secured with a lock. Open windows are invitations for burglars and may also attract opportunistic criminals who weren’t even planning a burglary in the first place. While this is sound advice it isn’t always possible, you may want to leave a window open for much-needed ventilation while you sleep or to let your cat come and go as they please. If this is the case you will need an alternative solution, which brings us to our next security option.
Add locks that help secure the window while open
While keeping your windows closed and locked may be one of the safest options, it isn’t always the most practical. Windows are essential to our health and well-being because they allow fresh air to circulate in our rooms, cooling us down, replenishing oxygen and helping prevent damp and mildew from forming. If you require a window to be open for this purpose a lockable window latch such as LockLatch or MiniLatch provides an elegant solution. This ingenious and patented device is made from C304 stainless steel and can be fitted to any window or door in minutes regardless of the window style or the material. The adjustable arm allows you to tailor the size of the opening to your needs, whether it is ventilation or letting your pet in and out. Each LockLatch device comes with a lifetime guarantee, which just goes to show how tough these devices are.
Add burglar bars to the interior or exterior
Window security bars come in a wide variety of styles and can be used to add an extra layer of security to just about any kind of window. However, windows that open outwards may be restricted depending on the type of bar used. While these measures are effective they can be an eyesore, but a few companies are applying minimalist design principles or creating more artistic interpretations.
Install smash-proof window film
Most burglars will use forced entry to gain access to a home, and if no one is around a window is one of the easiest things to break for access. By covering your existing glass panes with glass protection film, you make it that much harder for the burglar to get in, and if their only modus operandi is breaking a window pane, they may abandon the break-in altogether. Glass protection films can also reduce visibility into your home to keep prying eyes out of your personal space.
Replace your regular window glass
Alternatively, you can look at replacing your glass panes with “unbreakable” security glass. The use of quotation marks is really to illustrate that almost all glass windows can be broken with enough force, but once again installing these types of windows makes it that much harder for a thief or burglar to gain access to your property. Unbreakable glass isn’t actually glass at all, but a blend of polycarbonate, acrylics and plastic, which is not only stronger than conventional glass but also much lighter.
Technological solutions to aid in window security
Now that we’ve covered some of the more conventional window security solutions, let’s take a look at some high-tech options available to you.
Install an alarm system
Surprisingly, only 17% of US homes have a security system installed and if your home is one of them, it is important to ensure that your windows are also connected to the system, even windows that you don’t often open should have some form of monitoring. The rise of smart home technology means that alarm systems are more affordable and accessible than ever and when connected to an armed response or security company offer an effective criminal deterrent.
Have window motion sensors attached
Your alarm system should also include the installation of window motion sensors, these devices notify you if a window is opened and are not only a great way to know if your home security has been compromised, but also offer you a way to check if you have closed and locked all the windows in your home when you are on your way out.
External solutions for burglar-proof windows
The final area we wish to focus on is security improvements you can make to the exterior of your property to make it safer. This can include landscaping, the types of plants chosen and even security devices for building exteriors.
Plant thorny bushes or hedges by windows
Planting thorny trees and bushes at the base of a window is not a foolproof method to secure your home, but it may go some way towards helping. This old (but still relevant) security option’s success will vary based on the type of bush planted, as well as the determination of the burglar. However, it does provide a low-cost solution that can be easy to implement and add to the aesthetic of your home.
Trim back taller tree branches
Tall tree branches that get too close to the property can pose a security risk as they may allow burglars to access balconies and second-story windows. They may also help burglars scale border fences and walls, and that’s why you must regularly trim these trees back to avoid these security issues.
Limit potential hiding places
It is also important to ensure that bushes are trimmed to reduce possible hiding places on your property. Thick bushes allow thieves to observe your property and keep track of who is home and when the home is left unattended so they know the opportune moment to strike.
External motion sensor spotlights
Floodlights with motion detectors are a great way to discourage burglars during the night. While any sort of light will make a difference simply by illuminating your yard, lights that are linked to motion sensors can startle and scare burglars away. These types of lights provide relatively low-cost solutions and can deter a potential burglar before he even reaches your window.
How LockLatch makes your window security burglar-proof
It should be clear by now that there are many ways to improve your window security and make them burglar-proof. However, few of these measures are as versatile, effective, affordable and easy to install as LockLatch. Why not start making your home more secure today with a LockLatch device
BONUS TIP: GET A DOG
A recent study by the Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation, which interviewed incarcerated burglars, found that 34% of those interviewed would avoid the house if there was a dog barking. If you are an animal lover this provides a win-win scenario.
Making sure your windows are secure and completely burglar-proof will help reduce your chances of becoming a victim to a burglar or home invader. If you have any more window security tips you would like to share, contact us via email to Steve on [email protected] and we may use them in our next feature.
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