Windows are a vital part of our homes, providing us with daylight and ventilation when we need it. Although windows help us in our daily lives they also leave our property vulnerable to break-ins. We could have no windows or fit iron bars but how could we relax in our homes, locked in as prisoner?

If you already have a home security system in place or are considering purchasing one then the following tips will help to improve the security of your home.

In order to reduce the risk of being burgled it can help to think like a burglar. Similar to how detectives trace people’s possible movements to figure out how they would behave in a given situation it helps to think like a burglar when assessing your homes security.

One of the main factors to take into account is the nature of burglary incidents. Statistics show that around 20% of domestic burglaries are classified as opportunist incidents. This means that the homeowner has unwittingly created an opportunity for a criminal or passer by to gain access to their property. Surprisingly, in the majority of these incidents, the burglar or opportunist has gained access without any resistance or having to actually break and enter.

Bearing this in mind one of the best ways to secure your property is to be vigilante and make sure you are not giving opportunists any weaknesses to exploit. Make sure to close all windows and doors when you leave your home unattended and make sure any family or partners living with you also do the same.

The following are some general tips to help reduce the chance of a break in to your property.

• Just as an opportunity to gain access will attract a burglar a visible challenge will deter them. Windows locks that can be seen from the outside of the property are a strong deterrent. If the burglar has to break glass to enter they will make a lot of noise, alerting people nearby. Also if the glass has been broken and the window is still locked in position in the frame it will be difficult to climb through the broken glass.
• If you are fitting new windows or replacing existing ones you can choose different options to strengthen the glass. Ask your window fitter about British Standard Enhanced Security Glass or other strengthening options for your property.

If you are thinking of fitting new windows on the ground floor of your home make sure to fit locks. This also applies to windows in other accessible points which could be reached by climbing or with ladders. Some windows may need more than one lock to secure them fully. Make sure you put your keys in a place which isn’t clearly visible or left in the locks.

If you have any further questions on home security issues contact your local neighbourhood watch or neighbourhood policing authority.