Did you know that a burglary is one of the most common crimes especially in the UK? Here, a home is burgled once every 37 seconds. In 3 of 10 burglaries, thieves do not need to use force. They just walk-in through an open door or window.
These are two most common forms of illegal entry used to break into a house - forcing a window vent with a lever to gain access, or breaking the glass. Therefore windows, especially those on the ground floor and near drainpipes and flat roofs are an easy means of entry and need to be secured with locks and bolts. Sliding glass doors are also especially vulnerable to break-ins and need to be safeguarded. Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks, as any such opening is an invitation to an opportunist burglar.
Easily visible locks may deter some thieves, because a window lock forces the thief to break the glass and risk attracting attention. Do it yourself (DIY) shops sell a variety of inexpensive key-operated locks to fit all kinds of window. The type of lock you need depends on the window type. Casement windows usually have an outward opening hinged pane. They can have a window lock fitted on the frame opposite the hinges. If the window is over 3ft in width or height, two locks can be fitted, one at the top and one at the bottom. Sash and sliding windows usually have two frames that slide over each other. A bolt can be fitted where the sliding frames overlap.
The highest level of security fitted by any manufacturer on most aluminium windows, including coated aluminium, is a locking handle. Most door or window handles are not of good casting standard, so they may break under pressure, or come loose from the frame, rendering the lock ineffective. You can fit extra locks to aluminium windows, but ensure that there is enough metal around the window to secure the lock without allowing it to come into contact with the glass. Suitable locks designed for this purpose are quite easily available.
Fitting PVCu windows and doors makes it more difficult for burglars to gain entry into the house, as PVCu frames do not shrink like softwood and provide a tighter seal around the glass. This will help prevent a burglar from levering the window open. The windows and glass can also fitted with double-glazing, as then they become twice as difficult and noisy for a burglar to break. As a final security measure, you can also consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows. These grilles are now available in various decorative forms so they can be used to add to the aesthetic appeal of your house.
Most burglars are lazy and fear being detected. They will therefore avoid making any more noise than is absolutely necessary. These simple and relatively inexpensive attachments of effective locks on the windows will be enough to discourage the average burglar from attempting to rob your residence. Home Security - Windows and Glass.
Lots of tips and ideas on doors including internal doors and exterior doors .
Information on how double glazed windows work and comparisons of the different types of frames including aluminium frames and pvcu frames