Many of the recent burglaries in Decatur have been through a window. Here is what to do to thwart intrusion via windows.
When a burglar breaks a window glass, they are trying to unlock the sash lock and raise the window sash. They aren’t really interested in crawling through broken glass. Alternatively, they will pry the sash open with a pry bar or screwdriver inserted under the bottom of the sash. The sash lock just pops right off.
There are two methods to prevent the sash from being opened.
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(1) Drill a hole through the corner of wooden sashes where the upper and lower sashes overlap. Insert a steel pin (available at hardware stores) or a nail or bolt that pins the two sashes together. Drill a hole in both corners of the sash far enough from the pane to avoid hitting the glass. The advantage of the commercial window pin is that it has a notch to engage the provided extractor tool when you want to remove the pin and open the window.
(2) Cut dowel rods or other sticks to fit snugly between the top of the window frame and the top of the window sash. Put one on each side, up against the window track. This is the method of choice for aluminum or vinyl windows.
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Additionally, there is a crystal clear Window Security Film that can be installed over the entire pane of glass using a very, very strong adhesive. If the glass is broken, the shards stay in place rather than falling out, because they are bonded to the film. That prevents a hole from opening up to reach through. Many folks use this on their full-light glass doors. This special film is unavailable in stores but can be professionally installed.
The other security method for windows is burglar bars. If these are installed on bedroom windows, they must be openable for emergency egress.
Duncan Cottrell, The Entry Enforcer, is a home intrusion prevention expert. He and his team offer door and window reinforcing and free home security assessments. Duncan answers questions at Duncan@EntryEnforcer.com or (404)289-6960.
