Securing Windows

Windows are one of the main access points for anyone trying to get into a building illegally. There are different ways to get through a window, the most common is probably to smash the glass and climb through. This can be risky because quite often the intruder may cut themselves, leaving behind DNA. Another less common way to get through a window is to remove the beading around the glass and lift the whole sheet out of the frame; however this can only be done when the window is glazed from the outside and not many windows are these days.

There are several different ways in which you can secure your windows:-

One option is to have roller shutters installed to cover the windows; however there are some problems with these. For example you will often have to get planning permission to have shutters fitted. Usually they are fitted on the outside of the building so any potential burglar would have all the time they needed to attack the shutter, also the box at the top can provide a platform for someone to attack any windows that might be above or to get onto the roof. Any sort of window security is most effective when fitted internally. So shutters probably are not the best option.

Another way to provide security to windows is to have steel burglar bars fitted on the inside. Many people do not like theses because they are not very aesthetically pleasing, they are often referred to as prison bars. Quite often these are fitted on the inside of toilet windows on commercial buildings. There are different types of burglar bars, the best and strongest are solid steel bars but you can also get hollow bars and removable bars. The hollow and removable bars are not as strong.

The best way of securing windows is to have concertina security grilles fitted on the inside of the windows; these are most effective when used together with an alarm system. This is because the alarm sensor should be aimed at the windows so when the glass is smashed the alarm will sound, making the burglar panic and leaving them very little time to attack the grille. Different types of grille are available, from the standard bottom of the range grilles right up to insurance tested heavy duty grilles. Concertina grilles are the most aesthetically pleasing and also when opened they can tuck away neatly behind curtains or vertical blinds. These security grilles are an excellent visual deterrent as well as a physical one, the majority of would be burglars would see a grille in the window and not even bother trying to break in. These are not only used on commercial and retail buildings but also more and more on domestic properties. The grilles will be custom made to what ever size you require and can also be powder coated in a variety of colours, meaning that you should be able to get a quite good match to the window frames or any colour scheme on the building. Concertina grilles can also be used to protect doors, hatches, car ports and any other opening that you wish to protect.