Home Window Security: Foiling the Average Burglar

Many homeowners spend all kinds of money securing their front doors but become lax when it comes to securing the windows in their homes. "Why bother?" one man said. "If a burglar wants to come through the window, he'll just smash the glass."

Actually, that is not true, as a burglar might be willing to break through a small pane of glass so he or she can reach in and unlatch a window, but shattering the entire window would make too much noise and draw too much attention. Burglars want ease of entry, privacy, and value for their effort. With a few simple tips, you can deny them all three.

Denying Ease of Entry

There are many different ways in regards to having home window security, and discourage burglars from making the windows in your home into an impromptu entryway. One simple step you can take to have home window security is to use storm windows. No, it doesn't take a genius to remove them, but that's one extra layer of protection a burglar has to work his or her way through. Just the extra time it takes to deal with the storm windows may discourage some burglars.

If you have wooden window frames, you can use home window security by pinning the top and bottom frame together so the window cannot be opened. Another option for home window security is simply to cover your windows with metal grates. This need not make your home look like a prison. Window guards come in many different designs, and can actually be made to look like part of your décor.

Denying Privacy

Strategically place exterior lights around your windows. No burglar wants to work in the spotlight. Although tall hedges around your windows may make you feel more secure, they actually provide a perfect hiding place for the burglar to do his or her work. If you like shrubbery around your home, why not use some prickly or thorny plants like a few large rosebushes?

Finally, whether you have a burglar alarm or not, prominently place alarm decals on your windows. Most burglars won't call your bluff.

Denying Value

Try to keep valuable objects out of sight of the windows. A burglar who can look in the window and see a pricy entertainment system may be more motivated to find a way in than the burglar who glances in the window and sees little of value. The windows in your home may feel like a vulnerable spot, but it is possible to have home window security so that most burglars will be discouraged from even attempting to enter through them. Overall, home window security is an incredibly important and serious matter.