ᐅ Burglary Protection – Upgrading Windows from Resistance Class WK2 to WK3 – Alarm System?

Hello dear forum community,

Due to recent events, I would like to ask how new and experienced homeowners think about burglary protection and what measures they have installed or are planning to install. Also, whether anyone has had good or bad experiences with certain products.

Now, regarding the current situation: last week, there was a break-in at our immediate neighbors’ houses and then at two houses behind us.

In one case, there was an attempt to lift the front door, but the triple locking mechanism held... then the intruder tried the terrace door (security level WK1), which gave way.

At the other house, an attempt was made at a small window behind the house (WK3), which also failed, and then at the terrace door (WK3). Here, the roller shutter was torn off and the triple glazing was smashed.

In summary, jewelry, electronics, and all small valuable items were stolen, as well as coats and similar items. Larger items were left behind, but everything was thoroughly searched and violently broken into.

The day before yesterday, another break-in occurred a few streets away… all around dusk, about 5-6 pm.

We have WK2 windows, and I will now upgrade them to WK3 (already ordered). But what about the glass? I won’t be able to replace all panes with laminated glass, it’s just not feasible. Has anyone had experience with films that are applied from the inside (300 mil)?

Besides that, we have video surveillance all around... We are now installing ten 20W LED floodlights around the house, which turn on when motion is detected and stay on for a while (directed away from the house).

Additionally, a siren will be installed on the roof, connected to the KNX alarm system, which will activate in case of glass breakage or unauthorized window opening. (I still have to buy the glass break detectors).

For the large windows, I have also ordered rod locks because the weak point is in the middle where there is no central bar.

We have also thought a lot about this; apart from mushroom-head locks and possibly an alarm system later on, nothing else is planned yet. However, this could still change since construction only starts mid-year.

In general, most measures, in my opinion, mainly serve to reassure residents (often at a high cost) rather than effectively prevent break-ins.

Okay, a door or window with a high security rating is great, and a burglar might need 3 minutes instead of 5 seconds, but the glass in the window remains the biggest vulnerability. I believe over 50% depends on the surroundings—such as neighboring buildings, traffic conditions, and vigilant neighbors.

Therefore, it’s always an individual decision what to do to satisfy your own security needs, as it mostly comes down to that in my view. Consulting with local security companies or the state police can be helpful here, although the police have been fully booked in our area for months.

For me, as someone building a house, the essentials are mushroom-head locks and motion detectors/video surveillance installations in preparation. What I’m not convinced about are things like window handle locks with keys, because after 10 years, those keys tend to get lost.

We have RC2 windows. Although we also have light and motion sensors on two sides, I personally find them annoying. It’s very frustrating when the lights turn on every time a cat is in the garden. I’m not very keen on video surveillance either. I believe its deterrent effect is very limited or even non-existent with certain types of people.

Knallkörper schrieb:
We have RC2 windows. Although we also have light and motion sensors on two sides, I personally find them annoying. It’s really frustrating when the lights turn on every time a cat is in the garden. I’m not a big fan of video surveillance either. I believe its deterrent effect is very limited or nonexistent with certain types of intruders.

I agree. Video surveillance is mostly for peace of mind and, for me, a bit of a toy with the smartphone (to check what my child is doing in the garden, etc.) hehe.

HERR_bau schrieb:
What I’m not a fan of is the window handle lock with a key. After 10 years, the keys usually get lost...

However, that would have helped in one of the neighboring houses, as both only had simple handles...

And my keys are still in the same place after 6 years, and none have been lost so far... In fact, I consider lockable handles the second most important feature of a secure window after mushroom locks.

I don’t find garden lights to be a problem—if they turn on when a cat walks by, so what? In December, many people voluntarily turn their gardens into a fairground with all sorts of blinking lights and decorations.

Surveillance cameras are certainly not an effective protection by themselves, but I think they can at least deter opportunistic burglars. Plus, I sleep more peacefully knowing I can check around the house within 5 seconds anytime, for example, without even having to get out of bed, to make sure no unauthorized person is lurking around.

As already asked, does anyone have experience with security films on glass?

Also refer to security consultations that are offered free of charge by the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) or your trusted police department, or by security companies. The handle lock delays a burglar by exactly 30 seconds longer. So, they don’t make that much of a difference...