How to burglar proof your home before you go on holiday
Simply making it hard for a criminal to gain access through a window is already a step in the right direction.
Ensuring your windows are burglar proof is an essential task for every home-owner, but it is important to remember that you may need to use the windows as an escape route during a fire or other emergency.
Make sure you can get out of your home through a window if it becomes necessary to do so, but also make sure that burglars can’t get in through the very same opening. Windows are often left unlocked or even wide open, and even when they’re securely closed and locked, they can easily be shattered with a rock, brick or any other heavy object.
There are several options available to help secure your windows, such as burglar bars, reinforced glass, tempered glass, and windows made of materials other than glass. In addition, there are devices you can install to make gaining entry through sliding doors as difficult as possible.
Window Add Ons
Metal bars can be placed over all the windows in your home. This makes it extremely difficult if not impossible for a burglar to gain access. Even if they are able to break the glass, there is no way to squeeze in through the bars.
The drawback is that some people feel the metal bars make their dwelling look more like a prison than a home.
There are also laminated films that can be placed over every window. The films bond with the glass to make it nearly impregnable. In addition, the film is clear so the window will remain completely transparent. Burglars won’t even know the glass is protected until they try to break it.
Reinforced Glass
Another option to burglar-proof your windows is to use glass that is strong enough to withstand extreme force. Some window panes are even bullet resistant, so a single shot from most guns will not break them. This type of glass may be more than you need and it is very expensive, but there are other choices.
Some glass contains thick wires throughout, making it both decorative and functional. Burglars will know right away that this will not be an easy window to get through. After breaking the glass, the wires will still be in the way, and would need to be cut before entry is possible. Criminals will most likely pass on a window like this because getting through it would be difficult and time-consuming.
Tempered Glass
Glass that is tempered has been placed in a very hot oven and then immediately moved to frigid surroundings. This is done to bring the glass to a melting point, and then freeze it back into a solid piece, which makes it stronger. Tempered glass is far more durable than standard window panes, and very difficult to break. A burglar can’t shatter it with normal tools of the criminal trade, and will tend to give up and move on to an easier target.
Other material
Windows do not have to be made from glass. Plexiglass looks like the real thing, but is actually made out of a thick plastic. It is transparent so it gives the illusion of being a regular window, but burglars will find it is impossible to break.
Sliding Windows/ Doors
Some homes have windows and doors that slide open on a track. Burglars may find it easy to gain access through these windows, so it is essential to secure them. By installing latches, such as those found in casement windows, you can make them very difficult to open. Bolts and locking pins are also available, however burglars are often able to pry them open when they are determined to get in.
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