That burglars smash windows and gain access to other people's homes in this way, almost exclusively in crime novels. According to the “Cologne Study”, thieves prefer windows and patio doors (patio doors), which they pry up. This is almost noiseless and can be done in a few seconds with a large screwdriver - we tried it on a test window.
Only windows offer protection, which have stable locking mechanisms and cannot be levered out so easily. But about 80 percent of modern German windows only have a simple type of locking mechanism, according to a survey by hardware manufacturers. Additional safeguards are essential here. It is not enough, Install lockable window handles. They prevent though, to open the window through the tilted sash, but they do not counteract the burglar's screwdriver.
GRIFF
The preferred window side when prying open is the handle side. The mechanical resistance is almost always the lowest here, which suits the average burglar, According to the experiences of the criminal police and insurers, he wants to have a sense of achievement within three to four minutes.
Even a sturdy steel bolt would prevent a burglary. Exchange your window handle for one with an integrated locking mechanism (1). You continue to operate the window in the usual way and at the same time it is closed and secured against being forced open (here Abuse FO 400, round 59 Euro). When opening, the safety unlocks automatically. Just as easy to use, but a bar lock is even more effective (2, Abus FOS 550, about 115 Euro). A new window handle will also be installed here, which, in addition to the normal closing function, also moves two rods that engage in a locking plate above and below the window sash. This two-point security can hardly be overcome.
SCHLIESS- MECHANISM
Ideally, the locking mechanism holds, also Riegel, Pivots and the associated locking plates, a window or French door (patio door) so closed, that thieves don't stand a chance. But the reality often looks different: Simple roller cams grip behind angled cast metal strike plates (3). With flexible frames, there is no security against burglary. Windows are better, which have closures made of stainless steel and roller pins with so-called mushroom heads. Here, a plate-shaped widening of the pin engages in a recess and can no longer be pushed out. But these fuses are only by installing new ones, burglar-resistant windows possible.
With patio sliding doors you can reach with a wooden strip, which is clamped on the inside between the reveal and the sliding sash, after all, that the door can no longer be pushed open (4) – but this certainty is deceptive: A small hole in the disc is enough, to remove the bar! Additional fuses are better suited (for example Burg-Wächter Block Safe B1, round 53 Euro), where a lockable mushroom head pin is mounted on the frame (ideally with masonry anchoring like the Burg-Wächter MA 99 Duo, about 7 euros/piece), which, when closed, engages in a steel mount and makes it impossible to move the sliding door (5).
TAPES
Who has already secured the handle sides of his windows, should also protect the hinge side from being pried open. Because burglars cannot reach their goal on the supposedly easier-to-open side, try the band side. With simple turn-tilt fittings, this usually leads to success. Special hinge side locks (Hier Abu FAS 101, about 32 Euro and Castle Warden WX 4, round 37 Euro) prevent breakage (6 + 7). Mounted exactly in the axis of rotation of the window hinges, steel claws lock the closed window in one shot. With turn-tilt fittings, pay attention to additional security devices, which can also be tilted. To do this, the safety device is usually unlocked manually. But be careful with automatically locking fuses: They should not be mounted on patio doors, because the door accidentally falls shut, while you are outside, lock yourself out! This also applies to fuses on the handle side. Steel bars are easier to install and can be installed without damaging the window sash (8, yesterday Abus SW 20, about 17 Euro). They only work when the window is closed, but accidental locking is impossible. However, they can be easily removed if the pane is destroyed.
GLAZING
Is the window secured all around?, the potential intruder still has the way through the glass. If you want to be 100% on the safe side, can protect its window glazing against so-called impact-resistant glazing, that can withstand a stone's throw, or against break-through-resistant glasses, which also offer resistance to hammer blows, change. a tough one, invisible foil (shown in red) in a laminated glass pane prevents penetration – the pane shatters anyway (9). External grilles offer the very best protection for your windows against the effects of violence. They have a high deterrent value even from afar and leave, even if the window was opened, no intruder in (10). Provided the distances between the struts are not too large. From the association of property insurers (VdS) is a maximum distance of 245 mm recognized.
There are a number of do-it-yourself systems that can be screwed together from finished parts without any welding skills (here BurgWächter WinProtec, custom-made or as a self-assembly kit around 30/euro per meter profile with steel core, in addition there are the costs for crossing points (about 17 euros/piece) and final confirmation-
ments round 8 euros/piece). The profiles are hollow and contain a rotatable, Hardened steel core that makes it impossible to cut through with a hacksaw. The end attachments are screwed deep into the masonry and the Phillips screw drive is then permanently "sealed" with a steel ball that has been driven into it. (11 + 12).
casement
Holz- and metal windows are - unlike the widespread plastic window frames - relatively inflexible and difficult to lever open, even with large sashes. Everywhere over there, where grilles or other additional window security devices cannot be installed, then telescopic rods are used (13, for example Abus Tele-Z, for windows of 68 to 220 cm width, from about 106 Euro). For this purpose, sleeves are embedded in the window reveal into which the telescopic rod fits. Secured with a lock, removal without a key is only possible with "heavy equipment".. Telescopic poles have a big advantage over others, internally mounted window locks: Like window bars, they frighten burglars from afar, but offer an unobstructed view out of the window when you are present.