As the weather warms up, residents and business owners open new windows of opportunity for burglars. Detective Jack Meeks, the spokesman for the New York City Crime Prevention Bureau, warns that the most common entry points for thieves in the city are windows or fire escapes. This risk increases in the spring and summer months.
The good news is that they are also preventable. Detective Meeks explains that intruders have two major enemies, time and noise. So the security of your home or business can be easily strengthened by increasing the time it would take and the noise it would make to gain entry. Thereby increasing the likelihood of being seen.
Take proper precautions in securing all accessible windows, including basement, first floor, top floor, and fire escape windows. The following safeguards will help close the window of opportunity for burglars and prevent the possibly of a break-in:
Window Security Safeguards
FIRE ESCAPES
Exterior fire escapes can be lifesavers during an emergency. But they also provide intruders with easy access to upper-level windows and balconies. Window gates, security bars, and child guard security devices are essential to securing your fire escape, street level, lower level or top level windows. Even if the glass of the window is broken, the window gate prevents thieves from gaining access to the premises. Be sure your window gates are professionally installed and equipped with quick release mechanisms that open from the inside in case of fire or emergency exit.
WINDOW LOCKS
Treat all street level windows as potential entry points. Install heavy duty window locks, that are clearly visible from the outside. Window pin locks are a simple, affordable yet highly effective burglar deterrent. Check your window locks regularly to make sure they are working properly.
WINDOW ALARMS
From a simple window sensor alarm to full-service dynamic home protection, there are a variety of window alarms on the market today. Window sensor alarms install onto the window and detect when the window is opened or broken. When triggered, it sounds a warning alarm that alerts those inside and intimates the burglar into fleeing.
WINDOW GATES
An important consideration is whether to use window gates or window bars. Window gates should be installed on any window that could be accessed from the outside. Windows on the second story or higher generally do not need a gate because they are too difficult to enter. However, you should think about any architectural features of that may make it easy for a thief to climb to that window and open it. New York Protection Gates, Manhattan Protection Gates and folding gates also offer superior protection and functionality. Consult a professional window security solution provider to determine the right solution for your specific needs.
WINDOW BARS
Buildings without window bars are targets. Windows that are not covered by bars can be broken easily and used as entry points by burglars. Generally speaking, bars can work on windows that you will not need to climb out of. However, you may, in an emergency, be in a downstairs room and unable to exit through a door. For example, a fire may trap you on one side of the house, unable to get to any exits. If bars are on all of your windows, you could be in trouble. Having one or two windows in each street-level room that are gated instead of barred can provide a better level of safety.
CHILD SAFETY BARS
Children have an eager desire to explore their surroundings. This curiosity can lead to dangerous situations like leaning against a weak window screen or too far out a window to look outside. Child safety bars keep children safe from unexpected window falls and give parents peace of mind that a tragic window fall will not occur in their home.
PROPER INSTALLTION
Choosing the right window security feature is just the first step. It’s important to seek a qualified, locally trusted security provider to ensure proper installation to meet the unique security challenges of your building or community.
Window Security Bar Protection You Deserve
Paragon Security offers a selection of eye-catching designs of window gates, security bars, and child guard security devices that are custom fitted and installed as part of your residence or business overall security plan. Paragon Security has been proudly serving customers all across New York City including in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island since 1988. Call today for more details (646) 506-4422.