Burglars are classified as opportunistic criminals – meaning the majority of them will not jump through hoops in order to get into a home. They seek easy targets that are easy to get in and out of, and hold valuables like electronics, jewelry, or cash.
Because of this, the first step is ensuring your home is not considered an easy target. The first most common entry burglars use is through doors, the second is ground level windows. Second-floor windows are less likely to become a target due to their difficult accessibility.
Thankfully, you have many choices when it comes to reinforcing the safety of your windows and security of your valuables.
Window Bars
One of the easiest and most affordable options when securing your windows is installing bars on the exterior of your windows. These bars prevent potential thieves from gaining access to your home. However, window bars are cumbersome and do not fit the aesthetic most people are seeking for the exterior of their homes. With this massive drawback, what other options do you have that will protect your windows AND keep their appearance?
3M Residential Safety and Security Window Films
If you want to make your home more secure but do not want to install bars, window security films are an affordable and aesthetic option! These films are applied over your current windows, and are created to strengthen the glass and be tear-resistant, preventing break-ins. They make your windows much harder to break into and slow down their efforts, oftentimes causing them to give up and run to the next target.
These security films offer more than just protection against burglars, but also against harmful UV rays or flying glass in the event of a natural disaster.
Secure Anti Theft Window Locks
It seems pretty obvious that we should always lock our windows like we do our doors, but what you may not realize is the standard locks on windows are typically less than ideal and pretty easy for thieves to bypass.
There are several choices for secondary locks that can be installed to reinforce the security on your windows. Pin locks are pins that slide into the window frame to keep it sealed and locked. These types of locks have the additional benefit of hindering children from opening the windows from inside your home as well. This keeps your kids inside and your burglars out.
Polycarbonate Safety Shields
One of the most ideal ways to protect your home from burglars is to install a polycarbonate safety shield, such as DefenseLite, over top of your existing windows. Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and impenetrable by burglars. This method combines the subtle appearance of security films with the functionality of the window bars.
As opposed to glass, polycarbonate panels flew when impacted by crowbars or rocks and deflect that energy away. When they cannot break through these shields, most burglars will simply move on to their next target.
Motion Sensor Lights
Though motion sensor lights are not a tool you can apply directly to your windows, they are helpful in deterring criminals from even approaching the window in the first place. Thieves tend to target homes with low-visibility so others around the home cannot spot them. If your home is well lit, it is less likely to become a target.
Install your motion sensor floodlights at least ten feet or higher so the burglars cannot reach them and attempt to disable them. When someone walks closely, the lights will flip on and deter those who wish you harm.
Security Cameras
Security Cameras are very effective in deterring criminals from approaching your home. It is crucial to ensure your camera is installed within view of the public so they are aware they’re being filmed.
However, some criminals are bold enough to cover their faces while they burglarize your home. This is why it is so important to reinforce your windows as well as install other methods of security.
With so many options, you do not have to leave your windows or home unprotected. If you would like to learn more about how you can reinforce your windows contact us today!