Around 20 percent of burglars in England and Wales break into their victims’ residences through windows, according to finance firm Nimblefins’ analysis of the recent annual Crime Survey.

Ground-floor windows are the second most common entry by burglars, as many people tend to lock their doors but not their windows. Windows also typically have less secure locks than doors. Burglars also regularly use walls, bins, or other garden furniture to help them gain entry.

However, according to the Met Police, burglars increasingly target upper floors because they know the windows are less likely to be locked, they can bypass people downstairs, they can reach valuables such as jewellery and watches more quickly, and because many houses do not have intruder detection devices fitted on the upper floors.  To execute this, they use objects in the vacinity, such as workmen’s ladders, bins, and scaffolding. 

Protecting your windows is crucial in safeguarding your home from intruders. Here are a few options to burglar-proof your windows.

Traditional safeguards

You can enhance your windows security with time-tested methods like window bars, security film, reinforced screws, shatter-resistant glass, and polycarbonate shields.

The first option is window bars, which serve as a deterrent against unauthorised entry and an extra layer of protection for young children and pets. Window bars are commonly made of aluminium, steel, or wrought iron and can be installed inside or outside windows. The main types are fixed, swing-away and removable bars. If you choose to bar your windows, remember to leave one window unbarred in case of an emergency escape.

The second is security film, commonly made from polyester or PET and adhesive layers. For enhanced security, opt for tinted ones, which also come with UV protection.

As many window frames use standard Phillips screws in the window, burglars are now well-equipped with the fitting screwdriver. Upgrade your screws with tamper-proof security screws, head-cap screws, or Allen head screws to make your windows harder to pry open.

Shatter-resistant glass and polycarbonate shields have the same advantage: they are less likely to be broken open.

When cracked, shatter-resistant glass retains its form while shattering into a spider-web pattern, reducing the risk of injury-causing shards.

Meanwhile, polycarbonate, which is 250 times stronger than glass, is nearly impenetrable to intruders. Unlike glass, polycarbonate panels flex and deflect energy when struck with blunt objects.

Extra security for your windows

Technology can also be used to protect your windows. You can invest in motion-detecting lights and sensors, window sensors, glass break sensors, and security cameras.

As the names suggest, motion-detecting lights and sensors are triggered by movement. When motion is detected, the lights automatically turn on, surprising burglars. They are commonly installed next to main entries, windows, and walkways.

The sensors are triggered in the same way, but an intruder detection system will be activated when the system senses movement. Once that happens, you will receive an alert on your phone or alarm receiving centre (ARC). 

The next option is window sensors (or ‘contacts’), which can detect when someone opens or closes the windows. You can attach the sensor contact to the door or window frame and the magnet to the moving part. Align the pieces and ensure they are less than half an inch apart when closed.

Glass break sensors will alert you when someone breaks your glass windows. There are two types of these sensors: acoustic sensor, which is triggered by sound, and shock sensor, which detects the vibrations from glass breaking.

The last and the most straightforward tool is CCTV. The presence of cameras alone is usually enough to deter most thieves and burglars. Cameras should be placed as to maximise coverage and to minimise nuisance activations. 

Security companies like Marengo can also assist you if you require expert opinions in finding the right tools. Marengo reviews, designs, and implements customised security plans for private and commercial properties; regularly saving clients money by using intelligent design and its ability to command lower prices from equipment suppliers.