Home Security, window locks, security locks for windows

The humble window, the object that lets light into our lives and burglars into our homes. Yes that see-through little square in our solid brick walls, is the main entry point for any would be thief, who wishes to relieve us of our valuables. There are many other entry places for a burglar, but the window is the weakest point of entry and the burglars favourite. There are hundreds of different window locks and catches on the market, some claim to be burglar proof, so how does a thief get past your window locks and steal all your belongings. I have been talking to "Mr X", an ex-burglar, who has been a guest of her majesties prison for the crimes he committed, and now has a steady job, he has helped me in writing this. If you want to know how to beef up security, ask a person who has spent part of his life, breaking through the security measures you install to keep him out, it does make sense really.

Leaving a window open, no matter how wide, is like just leaving the front door open with a sign on it saying "please help yourself", says Mr X, it is an open invitation. The security measure people use for when the window is open, you are not meant to be able to open it any further without the use of an allen key is child's play, these can come off with the force of a screwdriver or even a kitchen knife, all you need is very little leverage underneath it, and it pops off, it is only a good deterrent for a first time burglar who is not all together there, or as an added little security buffer if you are at home in the daytime and not in that room. These types of locks are more for safety, preventing children from opening the window and crawling out.

Many of the window locks on the market now are quite good deterrents, and either use a rack bolt to secure the window or a small key operated push lock. One of these on a window may not be good enough, as again, with a little bit of leverage, they will just come out of the woodwork as these locks do not have long screws, the best thing to do is put one of each type on a window, and use larger screws if possible. Test the window, close the window and lock it up, go outside and press against the window frame, if there is movement in the widow frame, put another window lock on where the movement is, it may be a bit of a pain to open the window when you want it open, but at least it may stop somebody else from opening it. And you do only put one lock on, the damage that will be caused just to the window and frame will cost you a bit to get fixed.

 If you have a fixed window pane, where the glass is actually kept in place by putty, I would recommend that you have these replaced, as many burglars will just quickly chip away the putty and remove the glass in one piece, this leaves the thief with a secure opening.

 Fitting locks to double glazing is not easy, as firstly, if you do, you may lose your warranty because you have damaged the frame by putting holes in it to fit the lock or bolt. Secondly, the material the windows are made from is not very strong anyway, and is not strong enough to support a lock with screws. If you are getting double glazing fitted, ask the manufacturer what other security measures they can add to your windows at the time of manufacture, if they say there is nothing they can add, get a different double glazing company in to fit your windows. They want your business, they will add on extra security devices on your request, safe guard your home from all points and aspects.

With there being many different makes, models and types of window locks on the internet, when looking at them, each one will tell you exactly how it works, how to fit it and what type of windows they are for. If you are fitting the window locks yourself, and you are fitting them now, if you say to yourself :Oh, that will do" the next burglar along will just return the favour by saying "thank you", as he easily gates past your ill fitted window locks or because you only attached one window lock to your window. The window locks must at all times somehow attach to the window frame, or in the case of a ratchet lock, it is simply drilling a hole for the bolt to pass into the window frame.

 Window alarms have made an entry into the market place, these mainly work by vibration and emit an alarm when activated.

Sometimes it may be better to contact the police for advice as to which locks should be fitted, they are usually quite helpful, after all, it does help reduce the rising crime statistics.