Some 2.5 million burglaries occur every year in the United States—that’s about three home invasions every minute. And those are just the robberies that are reported to the police! These criminals walk away with jewelry, cash, electronics, and most importantly, they can steal your family’s sense of security.
Though the majority of robbers walk right in through unlocked doors, nearly a quarter of break-ins happen through ground-floor windows.
So how can you ensure your windows won’t be a point of entry for a criminal? How can you keep your home and possessions safe?
Follow our crucial tips below to keep your family secure and your home burglar-proof.
#1 Make sure your windows are in good working order
Keeping up on your home maintenance is always a smart move. Inspect your windows to see if the sashes are in good shape. A window frame that is cracked and worn out is not only costing you by increasing home energy bills: it could easily tempt a thief. Worn-out windows are easy to pry open with a crowbar.
#2 Pay attention to the areas around your windows
Overgrown trees and shrubs provide an excellent hiding place for would-be thieves. Keep up on your home’s landscaping and cut back your bushes annually. You might even want to consider replanting with thorny shrubs.
Motion sensor lights are another excellent first line of defense. Lots of folks only point them at driveways and front walks. Think like a thief—they won’t necessarily be taking the same path you do. Point those lights towards the backyard and the darker corners of your exterior.
#3 Upgrade your window locks (and use them)
Home break-ins are often a crime of opportunity. Surprisingly, only 12% of home robberies are planned in advance. That downstairs window you cracked open the other day is now a flashing welcome sign to an intruder.
Get into the practice of not only closing your windows but making sure they are locked. Are your locks in good working order? If not, it’s time to upgrade.
#4 Make sure your windows talk to your security system
Only 17% percent of US homes have a security system. Can you guess which homes are the most vulnerable to home invasion? Bingo.
Be a cautious homeowner, and prioritize protecting your assets. Prominently display your home security lawn sign and consider installing window sensors as a part of your system. Smart homes and integrated technology are becoming more and more common—with certain apps, windows can easily be wired to send an alert when they’re opened.
#5 Invest in better glass
The best burglar-proof windows have one thing in common: they feature shatter-proof glass. The double- or triple-paned glass will not only prevent you from a smash and grab situation, but it will give your home a major energy-efficiency boost. It’s the smart choice. Invest in better glass to keep your interiors UV-free, lower your utility bills, and keep your home safe from a thief’s baseball bat.
#6 Don’t overlook your basement windows
Basements deserve special attention. While you may only keep laundry and storage down there, basement windows are often dark enough and far enough away from bedrooms to obscure evidence of a break-in. Worn-out basement windows are a cinch to kick in, and you’d be surprised how small an opening a thief is willing to crawl through. With all this in mind, ensure basement windows are always sealed up tight and kept locked.
You don’t have to install ugly metal bars over your windows to keep your family safe. Window Nation features a wide range of options that provide curb appeal, energy efficiency, and safety for your home. Request a free quote today, and prioritize protecting your possessions and loved ones.
