Burglary is a growth industry these days, and windows are particularly vulnerable to attack. But fitting security bolts and latches takes only a few minutes and is a relatively inexpensive job.
Just because you have locks on the outside doors and you are careful to shut all the windows before you go out doesn’t mean that your house is safe against a burglar. Such action may deter the thief acting on the spur of the moment, but it won’t prevent the committed house-breaker from trying to get in, particularly if he thinks the pickings are worth the risk. Fortunately, there is a wide range of security bolts and locks available from good stockists to prevent easy access. And the fact that some of these devices are visible from the outside may instantly put off a wouldbe burglar.
You can buy bolts for specific situations – say, for a sliding metal frame, a wooden casement window or a sliding sash window. Some can be used in more than one position, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely on where to fit them. There are multi-purpose locks which can be fitted in several ways, but these tend to be more expensive. Of all the window types, louvre windows still present the greatest security risk. Even if they are closed, it is still relatively simple for a burglar to remove some of the glass slats to gain access to your home. One solution is to glue the glass panes into their holders on either side of the frame, but there is the disadvantage that if you accidentally break a slat it becomes difficult to fit another. The surest method of all is to fit a grille on the inside of the window.
This may seem like drastic action. However, if the window is concealed from general view, this may be the only means of keeping a determined thief out unless a burglar alarm is installed. Fitting a grille could make your home look like a prison. Fortunately, ornamental designs are available to lessen the impact. Normally you have to order the grille to the size of your window. It is installed by being mortared into the surrounding brickwork – inevitably this will cause some damage to the decoration. Some grilles are hinged and incorporate a lock to secure them in position. This enables the grille to be moved aside so that the glass can be cleaned, and, more importantly, in the event of a fire, you are still able to use the window as an escape route.
The simplest security devices, particularly from the point of view of fitting, are those which give added support to the latch and stay already attached to the window. Stay bolts, for example, are available in various designs; some just clamp on, others have to be screwed in place, replacing the existing stay catch entirely. And if you don’t want to go to the trouble of replacing the latch with a lockable version you can always fit a cockspur lock underneath the catch instead.
Fitting the devices
Different windows can be secured using various security devices. However, there is little point in fitting a bolt if the frames are rotten or unsound, as the bolt can easily be prised off by any burglar using force. Most devices can simply be screwed into. Separate the lock from the backplate and screw the backplate to the casement. This is deep enough to receive the bolt so you don’t need to drill a hole. A special key is needed to unfasten the lock. Keep it accessible, but out of reach of the window so the frame can be opened quickly in an emergency. position on the surface of the opening or fixed frame.
But some bolts, for example the rack bolt, have to be concealed within the frame itself, like a mortise lock. For added security it’s often advisable to fit two bolts, one at the top, the other at the bottom. When fitting any of these devices it’s important that they can’t be removed even if the glass is broken or a hand slipped through a fanlight inadvertently left open. So use clutch-head screws which are almost impossible to remove once they have been driven into place. Alternatively, you may have to drill out the heads of screws so they can’t be taken out. On metal frames you’ll first have to drill pilot holes before you can drive in the screws, but do make sure you avoid the glass. On old galvanised frames, prime any holes with a rust inhibitor before driving in the screws, otherwise your fitting can be forced out by a burglar.