The United States Department of Justice has estimated that around 40 percent of home break-ins occur through unlocked windows – and this occurs even more in the warm months of Spring and Summer ,when windows are more likely to be left open, or at least, unlocked. Here’s a guide on how to keep your home’s windows – and thus, the rest of your home, property, and even family – secure this Spring and Summer season – as prepared by the residential locksmith experts here at Top Locksmith.
Window Locks
We’ll start with the absolute essential – a strong, durable window lock. Make sure that all of your windows have locks in place, and test that these locks are functioning properly – attempt to shimmy windows open, and see if the locks stop them. If you can get a window to start to open, a burglar certainly can to. Make sure that all windows, including basement windows, upstairs windows, and decorative windows are secure as well – and always keep windows locked when they are not in use.
Outdoor Window Related Security Practices
Make sure that windows, especially those that are in secluded or dark areas, are secure – as they are more likely to be focused on by burglars. Make sure to install high quality exterior lighting – ideally motion sensitive floodlights, and trim all trees, bushes, or shrubs around the windows to make sure that a burglar can’t hide inside them or behind them. We recommend mounting security cameras nearby your most street-accessible windows, allowing you to view suspicious activities from a distance, and functioning as a deterrent for any potential burglary attempt.
Window Concealment
Make sure to install window coverings, blind, or curtains of a high quality in order to create window privacy when you need it. Solid toned fabrics or materials are your best bet, and you should avoid transparent or even opaque fabrics that can be peered through, as you want the inside of your home to be obscured from the outside.
Keep Valuables Away from Windows
Make sure that all expensive items like electronics, televisions, artwork, jewelry, or machinery is kept far away from your windows in an area that cannot be seen from outside through the window. You don’t want to be advertising your valuables to burglars who may be walking down the street.
Window Motion Detection or Glass Break Sensors
By installing motion detecting sensors on your window, you can make sure that you get notified every time one of your home’s windows are moved, opened, or tampered with. We especially recommend installing glass break detectors on all windows on your first floor – as these are the most commonly targeted windows for burglars. The glass break detector will contact the authorities and sound a loud alarm in the event of the window’s glass being shattered, ideally scaring away any enterprising criminal aspirant.