There are many different ways to keep residential home windows secure from criminals. Don't let yourself fall victim to the various common mistakes that homeowners might run into. According to the FBI, burglaries of residential properties account for 71.6 percent of all burglary offenses. Windows are a common point of entry for a criminal and they tend to be left unlocked or open at much higher rates than doors - particularly in warmer weather. Check out our top 10 list for ways that a homeowner can secure their home windows against unauthorized entry from burglars and other home invaders.

10.Use plants and bushes outside residential windows

A great way to enhance both the security of a home, and the beauty of it, is by surrounding the ground floor windows with various plants and bushes. While not hindering the homeowners ability to get fresh air and see out the window, plants can be both beautiful and helpful in regards to keeping ones home safe. By planting thorny, sharp, and prickly flowers or bushes such as cacti around the outside of the home, it can drastically reduce the homes appeal to a burglar or home invader. Not only can nature help keep your home safer, but it will also look great and could potentially increase the home's value.

9. Install motion sensor lights outside ground floor windows

Another good method for securing your ground floor windows from intruders is to keep them well lit and covered by motion sensor lights. Motion sensor lights work by activating when they detect movement. These are great types of lights to add around your windows if you are trying to scare off burglars and other criminals.

8. Keep all doors and windows locked

The BJS reported that about 40% of the time criminals gain unlawful entry into an unoccupied residence, it's through an unlocked door or window. Remember to always keep your windows and doors locked when you aren't home. The most likely time for a burglary to happen is when no one is home during the summer.

7. Get security warning stickers and signs

Another great way to scare criminals away is by placing security warning stickers on your windows. Even if you don't have an alarm system, security stickers will tell intruders that you do, making them think twice about their actions. According to a study by UNC Charlotte, approximately 83 percent of burglars would try to determine if an alarm was present before attempting a burglary and 60 percent said they would seek an alternative target if there was an alarm on-site.

6. Add extra locks to all sliding windows

In a lot of cases, windows are secured by latches instead of locks, meaning they can be more easily compromised. Add additional security hardware to further secure your windows and prevent unauthorized access. A lot of windows are easily forced open as they are only held closed by a plastic tab that can be broken. Keep your windows locked tight with interior metal window locks. These block the tracks that the windows slide in so that the window can't be moved.

5. Keep all windows barred shut

In addition to keeping your windows locked you could invest in some security bars to keep your windows barred shut. Security bars are an important tool for keeping your most vulnerable windows secure such as those that face busy streets, dark alleys, parking lots, and trails. Show criminals that you're prepared for them with a visible security bar and make them reconsider selecting your home as an easy target. Prime-Line Products offers steel window bars through suppliers such as Amazon.

4. Keep window blinds and curtains closed

Keep your windows covered so criminals can't see inside your home. Don't let potential burglars or home invaders window shop your belongings. Keep prying eyes out and your windows covered with blinds and curtains. Another great security solution is to replace your transparent glass window with frosted glass to obscure vision into your home.

3. Use window alarms to alert you of movement

There are many standalone alarms you can purchase to keep your windows protected. Window alarms are perfect for downstairs windows, that are near entryways, or in bedrooms; as they simply stick to glass with no installation. The vibration of the glass sets off the alarm which should wake and alert everyone home that someone is breaking in. Not only do these devices alert you to any potential break-ins, but they are also visible to criminals. This lets them know that by breaking into your home they will be drawing a lot of attention to themselves, which is something thieves and burglars try to avoid.

2. Use metal bars or grills on ground floor windows

Although bars might not be the most attractive things to look at, they are excellent for keeping burglars or home invaders out. Research shows that that if it takes more than four or five minutes to break into a building, the criminal will go elsewhere. Security bars and grills provide too tight an obstacle for burglars to climb through, yet they are large enough to not obscure your view or airflow. The only downside to burglar bars is that they could pose a potential fire hazard.

1. Reinforce glass windows

The statistics show that in the USA, of all burglaries in 2010, 60% involved forcible entry. Reinforce your glass windows by covering them with a clear protective film to keep them from being shattered easily. You could also invest in stronger glass for your windows such as reinforced glass, smash-proof glass, acrylic glass, or Polycarbonate.

Keep Your Home Windows Secure

Your safety is important and that's why you should always be mindful of residential window security. Don't undermine your home's safety by neglecting the security of your windows. Remember that your home's security is only as strong as it's weakest link, so stay safe and stay protected.

Read more safety tips from our other home security articles.

About Us:

Locksmith Services Longmont provides 24/7 locksmith services to the residents and businesses of the Northern Colorado region. Our Longmont Colorado locksmiths are excellent at what they do, and they can quickly assist with lock and key services such as: lockouts, rekeying, lock installations, lock changes, lock replacements, lock repairs, and more. Call us anytime or book online through our website. We provide locksmith services to those who are located in areas such as: Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, Estes Park, Westminster, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Fort Lupton, Firestone, and much more!