Beef up your Window Security - How to Secure Your Windows From Intruders

Do you need to improve your window security? It is estimated that as many as thirty percent of burglaries involve thieves gaining entry through unsecured windows. Thieves know what to look for and can spot an easy target when they see one. What does an unsecured window looks like? Many homeowners wonder about their own windows. Here we will address what vulnerable windows look like and give some easy and economical suggestions that will help increase your security and safety.

The first question to ask yourself is, What does an unsecured window looks like?

• Open or unlocked windows. Windows on the ground level or below should always be closed and locked when you are away or asleep. It's best to just get in the habit of checking to make sure that they are closed and locked every time you leave or go to bed. We had to leave notes on the bed and on the doors leading outside to remind us to close and lock everything. Eventually it becomes a habit.



• Dark & concealed areas. Be extra cautious about windows and doors that are on the back side of the house or surrounded by heavy shrubbery. More on Door Security Tall shrubs, trees or high fences can provide cover for criminals. Keep the shrubbery trimmed and also make sure there are no branches on any trees or high fences that could allow access to upper windows. Keep areas well lit. Place lighting on all sides of the house. To prevent the lights from being messed with install them high on the walls.

Air conditioner units in the first floor windows. If not installed correctly they can be easily pushed out allowing them to crawl through the window. Install your air conditioner with sturdy screws through wood or metal framing elements.

• Poorly Framed and Old Windows. Take some time and check out each of your windows.  Check each for its ability to withstand an attack, Do this especially for the basement windows and any windows that can be reached from ground level.  Then check each window's locking mechanism. Older locking devices can easily be jimmied with a knife or credit card. For inexpensive secondary locks place wooden dowels or sticks in horizontal sliding windows and pins that insert into the window frame in vertical sliding windows. This blocks the window from being slid open from the outside.
If you do need to keep a window open for ventilation block the window so that it can't be open any more than 6" and make sure the block is far enough away from the opening that it can't be reached and removed by someone outside.

• High Crime Neighborhoods. What good are window locks if intruders are simply not afraid to break the glass to get in? If you don't feel secure about glass windows there are several types of glass alternatives available today that you can replace the glass with. See all Glass Alternatives. Also consider window security film. Security film is a nearly impenetrable clear film that adheres to glass making it strong enough to resist shattering. According to manufacturer claims, security film can resist extreme blows making the widow shatter-resistant and very difficult for an intruder to get past. It costs approximately $8 per square foot. You can install it yourself however, you may choose to have it installed by a pro, which will cost extra.

• No Security System. Burglars will be twice as likely to bread into your home if they don't see any signs that your house is protected by a home security system. Compare Home Security Systems. Adding a security system to your home will improve your window security because most home alarm systems will include window and door sensors that trigger your alarm. These sensors are magnetic contact devices that are placed on doors, screens and windows. These devices trigger the alarm because the magnetic contact is broken when one of them is opened. Place a home security alarm sign in your yard even if you don't have a security system and stickers on entry points such as doors and windows. More on Improving Door Security. Burglars will most likely not break into your home if they see these indicators.

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I hope these things here will greatly increase your window security and the security of your home.

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