Quick Takeaways:
Doors and windows are the most popular entry points for burglars
Most burglaries take less than 10 minutes
Proper window and door security can deter most would-be intruders
Tips on making your home unattractive to would-be thieves
The importance of home security for your insurance premiums
Did you know that most burglars in the UK gain entry to your home through a front, back or side door, or a window?
Burglaries are typically crimes of opportunity, and perpetrators will look for weak spots to exploit.
Not only that, but if you can’t show that your house was adequately secured at the time of the break-in, you might not be able to claim back your losses on your insurance.
So, if you want to be truly ‘safe as houses’, you must ensure your windows and doors are secure and difficult to break into.
With over 25 years of installing windows and doors under our belts, we know which products and methods work.
In this blog, we offer tips on how to secure your windows and doors from burglars, look at the different methods used and outline the pros and cons of each.
Why Window Security Matters
As noted in the introduction, the most common entry points for burglars in the UK are the front, back and side doors and your windows. Ground floor windows are particularly vulnerable.
A professional burglar can be in and out of your home with valuable items in mere minutes – around 8-12 total. That is why your doors and windows must be secure.
They will also return to a previous burglary site if the security measures have not been upgraded. Similarly, they may try another house on the same street if they have noticed something of interest on their first ‘visit’.
So, you need to ensure your windows don’t offer an invitation to an opportunistic thief.
Essential Window Security Tips
Burglars frequently enter through unsecured windows, whether that means open or simply without adequate safety measures in place.
Here are a few ways to prevent window break-ins.
- Install bust locks & choose the right lock types (UPVC, sash stops, key-operated)
- Use laminated or toughened glass and window film (3M Scotchshield, polycarbonate shields)
- Opt for security grilles, shutters & window bars
- Invest in sensors & alarms (window contacts, glass-break detectors)
Essential Door Security Measures
With doors the number one access point for burglars, it’s vital to reinforce them with strong locks, smart tech, and physical deterrents.
All our doors are PAS-24 accredited, meaning they have been rigorously tested and meet British Police security standards.
Ultion door barrels, which reinforce the frame and prevent the door from being kicked in, can be installed on any of our door designs.
You can also incorporate toughened glass.
Other measures include:
- Install motion sensor lights
- Make sure your security camera has your door in view
- Fit a guard to the back of your letterbox to prevent a hook ‘fishing’ for valuable items
- Secure any cat or dog flaps
- Install a lock guard to prevent the keyhole from being tampered with
- Use a spy hole to identify visitors before they enter
- Install a security chain as an extra barrier
What About Protecting Sliding or Patio Doors from Break-ins?
Traditional sliding doors are particularly vulnerable to attack. However, our sliding UPVC, timber, and aluminium doors have an anti-lift device, so would-be intruders cannot lift a panel off the track. They are made from high-quality materials and have advanced locking mechanisms.
Preventive Home Environment
There are several other actions you can take to make your home less attractive to would-be burglars:
- Clear potential access routes (ladders, bins, furniture)
- Don’t leave packaging for expensive items outside
- Don’t post on social media when you are on holiday or away from the premises
- Don’t leave car or garage keys in easy reach of the front or back door
- Think about getting a fire and insurance-rated safe if you have several high-value items
- Mark your valuables with a UV-visible marker or paint
- Video and record your valuables in an accredited property database
- Contact your local police for information about dot peen property marking
- Join your local neighbourhood watch
- Uses stickers and signs to mark your property as protected
- Keep front hedges under one metre
- Have high fences at the back
- Register your bike with www.bikeregister.com
Insurance & Policy Benefits
Home insurance premiums are based on a couple of factors, including:
- The value of the contents
- The type and security of the property
- The crime rate in the area
While you can’t impact the crime rate, you can enhance your home’s security.
Certified security measures such as those described above can help to lower your premiums, but you may need to show proof of installation to qualify for any discounts. An independent inspection by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) may also be required before discounts can be applied.
Pros and Cons of Security Features
Measure | Pros | Cons |
Security locks | Low cost, easily meets insurer rules | Requires upkeep, multiple keys |
Laminated/toughened glass | Reduces smash-and-grab risks, protects against injury | Higher cost than standard glass |
Security film | Discreet, maintains aesthetics, UV protection | Slows down but may not prevent a break-in |
Grilles & shutters | Physical barrier, visible deterrent | Can block views and daylight, needs professional installation |
Alarms & sensors | Warns promptly, integrates with smart tech | Requires installation & upkeep, false alarms can be disruptive |
Burglar bars | Affordable and effective | Ruin aesthetic and obstruct views |
Polycarbonate shields | Discreet, maintains aesthetics | Expensive, may require professional installation |
Conclusion
Securing your windows and doors is of the utmost importance. Not only does it keep your family and valuable possessions safe from intruders, but it can help you lower your insurance premiums.
Some security measures can also increase your energy efficiency, enhance your home’s acoustic performance, and increase your property value.
We hope this blog has given you a better idea of how to secure a window from a burglar and helped you make the most appropriate security choices for your home.
If you would like to speak to one of our professional, CERTASS-certified windows and doors installation experts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How to Get in Touch
To request a free brochure, you can call us on 0161 976 4739, use our contact form or chat with us via the chat button at the bottom right of this website. If you live locally, you can also visit our Altrincham showroom, and check our contacts page for up-to-date opening hours.
We look forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
The cost of window security in the UK ranges from around £25 to £1,500. This huge range encompasses basic affordable methods, such as window film, all the way to large and complex security grilles and burglar bars. Your location, type of property, the size of the windows, the quality of materials, and the complexity of the design will all factor into the cost.
Generally speaking, multi-point locking systems are the most secure type of window lock. These systems typically have locks around the top, bottom, and sides of a window frame, which are activated simultaneously when a window is closed and/or locked. This action creates a seal all around the window, leaving it almost impenetrable. They also improve energy efficiency and acoustic performance.
Smart window alarms are an alternative to traditional burglar alarms and can be a useful addition to your home security system. They are usually monitored remotely by an app on your phone, which will notify you if the window is open when you are leaving your home or opened in your absence. They can deter intruders and offer peace of mind.
Not all smart window alarms are created equal. For example, some have a short battery life, while false alarms can be disruptive. So, their worth depends on the model, how well it integrates into your home and lifestyle and its overall performance.
As with most DIY, this depends on your level of competency and the complexity of the installation. For example, window film, some locks and alarm systems are easy to fit yourself, while burglar bars and large grilles are typically best left to professionals.
DIY is an attractive option as it saves you money on labour costs and it is more convenient as you can plan the work whenever is best for you to minimise disruption.
On the other hand, poorly installed security features may not function properly, leaving your home vulnerable to break-ins and potentially weather damage too. If you mess up the installation, you could end up paying more for a professional fitter to come and fix your work. A professional installation will also come with a warranty to ensure it is covered by your insurance and complies with UK building regulations. A professional installation will also come with a warranty to ensure it is covered by your insurance, and complies with UK building regulations.
Yes, some insurance companies will offer a discount to UK homeowners who implement home security measures such as better locks for windows and doors. Since homes with enhanced security are at a lower risk of being targeted by burglars, your insurance premium will likely be reduced. The longer you don’t claim on your home insurance, the more you will save.
Security grilles and bars offer both a deterrent and a physical barrier against break-ins.
They usually don’t require planning permission, but may require listed building consent.