ᐅ Burglary Protection – Upgrading Windows from Resistance Class WK2 to WK3 – Alarm System?
Created on: 13 Jan 2017 09:52
M
Mycraft
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.
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.
Alex85 schrieb:
How do you actually handle lockable handles? Do you always lock them, remove the key, and then store it somewhere until the window or door needs to be opened again?That's exactly it.
The key is stored within easy reach, for example on a sideboard, but out of direct sight.
B
Bieber081516 Jan 2017 13:27Alex85 schrieb:
How do you actually handle lockable handles?The key is controlled ventilation. Most of the windows on the ground floor don’t need to be opened anyway, so all the keys are kept centrally right next to the patio door (in a drawer). Upstairs, the keys are simply left in the lock.
Bieber0815 schrieb:
The key point is controlled ventilation and exhaust. We don’t really need to open most of the windows on the ground floor anyway, so all the keys are stored centrally right near the patio door (in a drawer). Upstairs, the keys are simply left in the locks. In that case, couldn’t you just use fixed glazing on the ground floor? If they aren’t being opened anyway, you might as well skip the handles altogether.
@AOLNCM
I started this thread specifically about my own house... Of course, general information shared here can also be helpful, but we have a block of six houses that were all built between 2009 and 2011. All by the same companies and definitely all with the same window manufacturer.
However, there are quite significant differences in window security. Everything ranges from basic security to WK3 (resistant class 3) windows. But according to the window manufacturer, all the windows are made from the same profiles, regardless of whether they are basic or WK3.
Here, of course, I can only rely on their information.
For this reason, I have installed an anti-panic lock... so once it’s locked, it really stays locked...
I think losing a key is very unlikely because you usually don’t take the keys out of the house, why should you? And if you lose it inside the house, well, that’s just how it is...
The easier way is to simply get additional keys from a hardware store by buying one, two, or three handles—the most common locks are then covered... there is no absolute security, but a lockable handle at least delays entry until the right key is found, inserted into the lock, and turned... those few seconds can be crucial.
Personally, I see the alarm function more like a toy for kids... but that’s just my opinion.
Yes, of course. Otherwise, what’s the point of having lockable handles? If the key is left in the lock, you might as well just install regular handles.
I started this thread specifically about my own house... Of course, general information shared here can also be helpful, but we have a block of six houses that were all built between 2009 and 2011. All by the same companies and definitely all with the same window manufacturer.
However, there are quite significant differences in window security. Everything ranges from basic security to WK3 (resistant class 3) windows. But according to the window manufacturer, all the windows are made from the same profiles, regardless of whether they are basic or WK3.
Here, of course, I can only rely on their information.
AOLNCM schrieb:
These have so-called panic locks, meaning that even when the place is locked, if you press the handle from the inside, the door opens.
For this reason, I have installed an anti-panic lock... so once it’s locked, it really stays locked...
AOLNCM schrieb:
That means all keys fit each other. Even if one is lost...
I think losing a key is very unlikely because you usually don’t take the keys out of the house, why should you? And if you lose it inside the house, well, that’s just how it is...
The easier way is to simply get additional keys from a hardware store by buying one, two, or three handles—the most common locks are then covered... there is no absolute security, but a lockable handle at least delays entry until the right key is found, inserted into the lock, and turned... those few seconds can be crucial.
AOLNCM schrieb:
Lockable handles with alarm function.
Personally, I see the alarm function more like a toy for kids... but that’s just my opinion.
Alex85 schrieb:
How do you actually handle lockable handles? Do you always lock them, remove the key, and then store it (where?) until you want to open the window or door again?
Yes, of course. Otherwise, what’s the point of having lockable handles? If the key is left in the lock, you might as well just install regular handles.
Mycraft schrieb:
then also through the patio door (RC3), but here the roller shutter was ripped off and the triple glazing was smashed. RC3 means laminated safety glass. Even P5A instead of P4A (RC2). Are you sure about that? It must have taken ages to break a hole big enough to climb through.
So, our plan/installation includes:
- everywhere RC2, meaning mushroom cams, laminated safety glass, lockable handles
- window contact sensors wired in a star configuration to monitor each window’s open/closed/tilt status
- LAN cables run to the front door and patio door for video surveillance
- later installation of an alarm system based on the window contact sensors, with an external siren and GSM module / SIM card, so that an SMS is sent when triggered
Lockable handles combined with laminated safety glass already make a big difference. You would first have to hammer at the glass laboriously until your arm fits through, and then the handle is still locked, so you need a larger hole in the glass to get enough room to operate the handle accordingly.
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