With all the impressive smart technology that’s recently entered the home security space, securing your windows is easy to overlook. The latest U.S. picture shows why it matters: FBI Crime Data Explorer national aggregates for 2023 indicate about 57% of reported burglaries involve forcible entry, roughly 37% involve unlawful (no‑force) entry, and about 6% are attempted forcible entries. Because the U.S. reporting (NIBRS) distinguishes mainly “force vs. no‑force” rather than the exact entry point, it’s important to note that a large share of incidents occur through unlocked or unsecured openings. Complementary national surveys in the UK and Australia confirm that doors are the primary entry route and windows are the next most common, with a substantial minority of entries occurring without force via unlocked doors or windows (ONS; ABS). Effective window security therefore combines physical resistance, reliable detection, and a fast response path.
Tips on Improving Window Security
Install or repair window locks
According to Alarms.org, summaries often emphasize forced entry, but the most recent FBI aggregates show a different split: about 57% forcible entry, ~37% unlawful (no‑force) entry, and ~6% attempted (FBI Crime Data Explorer). In practice, that means working, visible locks help deter scouting intruders and directly reduce the sizable share of “no‑force” entries through unlocked windows. When upgrading, pair robust latches with auxiliary locks on sliders, and consider windows that report both open/closed and locked/unlocked states via embedded sensors (contact and lock‑state) that align with intrusion detector standards (e.g., UL 634) and consumer IoT security baselines such as ETSI EN 303 645 or NIST SP 800‑213A.
Install window bars
Considering windows are made of glass, they’re still breakable and burglars can enter them even when locked. Window bars (steel grilles) add meaningful delay and high visual deterrence, but they must not compromise life safety. Fire authorities advise that any bars on bedrooms or egress windows include an interior quick‑release mechanism operable without tools or keys so occupants and firefighters can get through in an emergency (U.S. Fire Administration). Where bars are impractical, purpose‑built security screens (high‑tensile stainless mesh in reinforced frames) can provide a vented barrier and, in some regions, are recognized when built to relevant standards (Queensland Police).
Install window sensors
As part of your home security system, you want a sensor on every entrance to your home that an intruder could potentially use to get inside. Modern options improve reliability: multi‑sensor fusion (acoustic glass‑break plus vibration/accelerometer) and on‑device AI/DSP help distinguish real breaks from environmental noise, cutting false alarms. Favor sensors and panels that meet recognized detector standards (e.g., UL 634 for contacts; EN 50131 families for intrusion systems EN 50131) and adopt secure, updateable IoT practices (ETSI EN 303 645; NIST SP 800‑213A). For interoperability and long battery life, look for Thread/Matter support so contacts and glass‑break sensors can integrate across brands with local, low‑power mesh networking (Matter 1.5). In hard‑to‑service spots, battery‑free, energy‑harvesting contacts can reduce maintenance (EnOcean Alliance).
Install tempered glass
Tempered glass is glass that’s gone through additional processing that makes it have around four times the strength of regular annealed glass and it crumbles into small cubes when it fails to reduce injury risk. For security, however, tempered glass alone is not burglary‑resistant and can be defeated by focused impacts. Police crime‑prevention guidance recommends laminated or certified security glazing on accessible windows instead of relying on toughened glass (Secured by Design; Metropolitan Police). When upgrading, specify glazing tested to recognized standards such as UL 972 and ASTM F1233, or European classifications (e.g., laminated to EN 356 referenced in SBD guidance). Note that aftermarket security window films can add shard retention and delay when properly anchored, but they are not a rated substitute for laminated/security glazing in police guidance (SBD).
Thorny shrubbery
The landscape is the first area burglars take into consideration when scouting a home as a potential break-in opportunity. Use current CPTED guidance to make plants work for you: keep front hedges under about 1 m and lift tree canopies to ~2 m to preserve natural surveillance; place thorny species (e.g., berberis, holly, pyracantha) directly under accessible windows and at rear pinch‑points; and add gravel on side paths so movement makes noise (Secured by Design Homes; Met Police garden security; RHS). Defensive planting is most effective when paired with good lighting and monitored alarms rather than used alone.
Additional Security Can Improve Window Security
These are some additional security considerations that complement window security measures:
- Security Monitoring – 24/7 professional home monitoring service is like the glue holding your home security equipment together. When an entry sensor or glass break sensor detects a window break-in has occurred, the alarm signals the call center, which responds and dispatches emergency services. Favor providers that use UL 827–listed centers (UL 827) and offer reliable backup paths (cellular or backup internet). No‑contract DIY values currently include Ring Protect Pro at $20/month (or $200/year, with cellular backup and 24/7 Backup Internet when using Alarm Pro hardware), abode Pro at $22.99/month (includes cellular backup), Cove at $17.99 (Basic) or $27.99 (Plus) per month, and SimpliSafe Fast Protect around $29.99/month with optional agent video intervention on supported cameras. Full‑service pro‑installed options like ADT and Vivint typically involve multiyear terms and higher monthly costs.
- Motion-Activated Floodlights – Outdoor floodlights turn on when they sense motion within a certain range. These are helpful for hands-free access to lighting when it’s dark. If you place motion-activated floodlights within range of your home’s windows, they turn on when any criminal is attempting a break-in, immediately scaring them away with the bright lights. Smart motion-triggered floodlight cameras increasingly pair PIR with on‑board radar for precise distance‑based zones (Ring 3D Motion Detection) and process events on‑device for people/vehicle classification to reduce false alerts (Google Nest on‑device processing). For cross‑brand automations and local control, look for lights that support the latest Matter updates (Matter 1.5) and follow responsible, low‑glare lighting practices (warm CCT, full shielding) per DarkSky.
- Install a Video Doorbell – Having a video doorbell as part of your window security system is helpful for ensuring nobody dangerous slips in. When you have your window alarm connected to your base station, any triggered alarm from your windows notifies you or your monitoring company. Within unified ecosystems, doorbells can automatically record and trigger lights or announcements during alarms (e.g., Ring’s Linked Devices). Some providers support video/agent verification during alarms to reduce false dispatches (SimpliSafe Fast Protect). Partnered ecosystems like ADT + Google Nest integrate Nest Doorbell video into a professionally monitored system. For privacy‑forward or open setups, Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video enables encrypted recordings and automations, while ONVIF Profile M and related profiles allow some doorbells/cameras to interoperate with local NVR/VMS solutions.
Next Steps?
Windows are often the most vulnerable entry points at risk of letting in a home intruder. Start by walking your home and listing all accessible windows. For each, combine physical hardening and detection: specify laminated/security glazing on vulnerable panes (look for tests such as UL 972, ASTM F1233, or EN 356 referenced by SBD), use quality locks, and add contact plus glass‑break/vibration sensors that align with EN 50131/UL 634. Favor sensors and hubs that support Thread/Matter for robust, low‑power interoperability (Matter 1.5) and follow IoT security baselines (ETSI EN 303 645; NIST SP 800‑213A). For monitoring, you can choose month‑to‑month DIY values—Ring Protect Pro $20/mo (with optional backup internet on Alarm Pro), abode Pro $22.99/mo, Cove $17.99/$27.99, or SimpliSafe Fast Protect ~$29.99/mo—or full‑service pro‑installed options like ADT and Vivint (typically multiyear contracts). In all cases, look for UL 827–listed centers (UL 827) and cellular/backup paths. We recommend looking for providers that offer top-quality equipment packages and plenty of customization options so you can equip your home with exactly what it needs. We recommend going with a reputable nationwide professional monitoring provider like SimpliSafe, Vivint, or ADT, but compare the no‑contract DIY plans noted above if you want flexibility and lower monthly costs.
