WEAK POINT WINDOWS: HOW DO I SECURE MY WINDOWS AGAINST BREAK-INS?
The first step towards effective protection against break-ins starts with a simple consideration: have you ever thought about how much easier it is to pry open a window compared to breaking through a multi-point locked door?
Burglars tend to opt for the path of least resistance, which is why windows are particularly popular entry points for them.
While many homeowners and tenants remember to secure their front doors, easily accessible windows on the cellar, ground floor, or first floor are often overlooked when it comes to burglary protection. With many window panes today made of laminated glass, they remain connected like a net if broken. To minimize noise and go unnoticed, thieves often use crowbars or similar tools to pry open unsecured windows instead of smashing entire panes.
RETROFITTING BURGLARY PROTECTION: WHERE SHOULD I START?
How can I determine whether my windows are adequately secured or whether I should take additional measures? Whether your window is burglar-proof depends largely on how old your window is and whether it has a mushroom head lock. Windows that have a simple roller cam lock instead of a mushroom head lock can be pried open by a trained professional in less than a minute. Windows with this sliding mechanism are therefore very insecure.
You can recognise a mushroom head lock on your window – as the name suggests – by a mushroom-shaped locking head that makes it difficult for burglars to pry open windows or doors.
If you cannot find such a mushroom-shaped locking head on your window, you should retrofit burglary protection products.
Should I install window locks or replace the windows? The extent to which it makes sense to upgrade the window security system or install new windows instead depends on several factors. If your windows are old and not energy-efficient, it is advantageous to install new security windows. These should correspond to at least resistance class RC2.
However, if your windows are still in good condition, retrofitting them with special security fittings and locks is a cheaper and equally effective solution. In both cases, the security provided by a window security bar has a good deterrent effect, as it is immediately visible from the outside.
How high are the costs for additional window security locks and is such an investment worthwhile? To give you an approximate estimate of the costs, we have created an example for you here: For a ground floor window with a height of 1 metre with one lock on the left and one on the right, the costs amount to approx. €150 if you choose VdS/SKG-tested products.
How do window security locks work and how are they installed? When it comes to "retrofitting window security locks", the main aim is to create additional anchoring and locking options around the window. The reason: window security locks increase protection against break-ins by making it more difficult to pry open windows and balcony doors. There are different types of window security locks: bar locks, window bars, window handle locks and more. The installation depends on the type of protection. You can find more information on this here
Additional security locks are often fitted and screwed to the window frame and the window wing. With bar locks, for example, the locking bars are screwed to the frame and the wing and thus provide cross protection. Window handle locks replace the regular window handle and additionally lock the window. Skylights also need to be protected with locks.
Can I install window security locks myself? Handle-side locks can be installed easily by non-professionals who are good with their hands. Hinge-side locks require a higher skill level. Before fitting, you should always make sure that your window can be opened and closed properly. During installation, always ensure that the screws are tight and the locks are correctly positioned.
Please note that professional installation of windows and burglary protection technology is also crucial for the effective security of your home. A specialist can assist with the correct selection and installation to ensure the highest possible level of protection.
STANDARDS & CERTIFICATIONS
When it comes to burglary protection for windows, there are certain standards and certifications that stand for high quality and security. Here are some key factors to look out for:
VDS CERTIFICATION VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is an independent testing and certification institution for fire protection and security technology in Germany. A VdS certificate is a strong indication of a high-quality product. Testing takes place in accordance with DIN 18104-1.
EN 1627 This is the European standard for burglar-resistant doors, windows, curtain walling, grilles and shutters. It categorises products into different resistance classes (RC), with RC1 offering the lowest resistance to burglary and RC6 the highest. For private households, windows of resistance class RC2 or RC3 are generally sufficient.
DIN 18104-1 This German standard regulates the retrofitting of burglary protection for windows and doors. DIN 18104-1 refers, for example, to retrofittable products such as cross bar locks.
Qualitätssiegel des Bundesverbandes Sicherheitstechnik e.V. (GERMAN QUALITY SEAL OF THE FEDERAL ASSOCIATION FOR SECURITY TECHNOLOGY) (BHE) Another seal of quality that indicates high-quality security technology.
SKG CERTIFICATION: SKG certification (Dutch certification and testing institute) is widespread in Europe and is often used as a seal of quality for burglary protection products such as windows, doors and locks. Products with SKG certification are divided into three resistance classes, which are labelled with stars:
SKG* (1 star): Basic protection against burglary attempts using physical force such as kicking, impacts or forcing.
SKG** (2 stars): Medium protection against break-in attempts with additional tools.
SKG*** (3 stars): Maximum protection against break-in attempts with heavy burglary tools.
SKG certification guarantees that the product meets certain security standards and effectively helps to reduce the risk of break-ins. Here too, testing is carried out in accordance with DIN 18104-1.
RETROFITTING WINDOW SECURITY LOCKS: AN OVERVIEW OF THE OPTIONS
Retrofitting windows is one of the most effective measures you can take to protect yourself against burglary. There are many products that have been specially developed to increase the resistance of windows to break-in attempts.
What types of window security locks are particularly recommended? It always depends on the window. You should always look out for VdS certification. For patio doors and all windows that exceed a height of 1 metre, you should use a bar lock to secure them.
For small windows up to 1 m, we recommend handle-side window locks from ABUS such as the FO400N, which can be locked with just one hand movement, or window security locks such as the FTS206. If you are renting and do not want to make any permanent changes to the window and want to take your security with you when you move out, you should opt for a security window bar (VdS) such as the FPR217.
What do the police recommend? The basic police recommendation for private households concerns windows that correspond to resistance class RC2 and are VdS-certified. These windows should be secured with mushroom head locks to prevent them being pried open, burglar-resistant glass and lockable window handles.
The ‘K-EINBRUCH level’ classification, which the police in Germany use to recommend burglary protection solutions, has been in place since 2021. Window locks from ABUS that have K-EINBRUCH Level certification can be found here
DIFFERENT WINDOW SECURITY DEVICES – DIFFERENT ADVANTAGES
Various window security devices offer different advantages, from burglar-resistant fittings like mushroom head locks to lockable handles and window grilles. We have listed some variants and their advantages for you:
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BURGLAR-RESISTANT ADDITIONAL SECURITY LOCKS
There are a number of additional security locks that are easy to fit and protect your windows against break-ins.
Whether simple additional window security locks, window bar locks, security window bars or security hinge locks: all these product solutions can effectively deter burglars from entering your home. With a security hinge lock, for example, you can reinforce the hinge side – because burglars often pry open precisely this side of the window. The locks should ideally be VdS-tested.
Here are our recommendations for VdS-approved window security locks:
Mushroom head locks are an effective method of protecting your windows against break-ins. Thanks to their special mushroom-shaped locking head, they engage in corresponding counterparts in the window frame. This makes it considerably more difficult for thieves to pry open the window. For a secure home, retrofitting with mushroom head locks is a recommended investment in burglary protection. However, a mushroom head lock must be fitted by a specialist such as a carpenter.
If you would prefer to retrofit window locks yourself, we recommend an additional window security lock such as the 3030.
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LOCKABLE WINDOW HANDLES OR WINDOW LOCKS
Lockable window handles are more of a child safety lock, while a window handle lock protects against being pried open by burglars. A lockable window handle alone does not provide sufficient burglary protection. Lockable window handles are more of a child safety lock and should be seen as additional protection to existing security devices in the context of burglary protection.
Window locks offer reliable protection A window handle lock, on the other hand, replaces the standard window handle and includes a lock mechanism fitted to the frame. When the window is closed, the lock automatically engages, providing reliable protection against prying. It operates with a push-button cylinder and unlocks easily. With its steel claw bolting, it reliably protects against being pried open by burglars and can withstand up to over a tonne of pressure. It also protects children from falling out of windows.
GRILLES, CELLAR GRATE LOCK AND EXTERNAL WINDOW BLIND LOCKS
If you want to make your ground floor even more secure, you can also install window grilles – these are also suitable for cellar windows.
If you have cellar shafts in front of the cellar windows, it is best to use cellar grate locks to prevent burglars from gaining access.
f you have fitted roller shutters to your house or flat, you can also protect them and fit external window blind locks . The roller shutters are clamped in place, which prevents them from being pushed up.
When you choose ABUS security locks, you are opting for highly durable products.
As windows "work", it may be necessary to adjust the window slightly from time to time. However, this does not depend on the chosen security lock, but on the window and the material. Our security locks are generally maintenance-free and do not need to be greased.
KNOW THE WEAKNESSES
Everyone is aware of the danger that burglars can get into a house or flat through unsecured windows and doors. However, there are also other weak points and points of attack that are often overlooked and specifically exploited by burglars.
In our guide to the weak points, we shed light on often overlooked points of attack and show you how you can effectively protect your loved ones and your property. From house keys to the main weak point of the front door – we provide you with the knowledge you need to stay one step ahead of burglars.
