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.
I can only report from our neighbor’s experience: the films did not help at all. They were supposedly quite high-quality. He had them on the garage window because there had been several break-in attempts before. The dog always scared them off. Well, then they were on vacation and suddenly the garage was completely emptied. Damage worth €30,000 (a lot of tools, bicycles, etc.).
By the way, the light sensors can be adjusted so that they only activate for objects larger than about one meter (3 feet).
By the way, the light sensors can be adjusted so that they only activate for objects larger than about one meter (3 feet).
This topic has been discussed before. This might also be helpful:
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/welchen-Schutz-vor-Einbruch-habt-ihr-Kostenschätzung.17662/
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/welchen-Schutz-vor-Einbruch-habt-ihr-Kostenschätzung.17662/
Mycraft schrieb:
We have WK2 windows and I am going to upgrade them to WK3 now (already ordered). But what about the glass? I obviously won’t replace all panes with laminated glass; that’s just not feasible.How exactly is the upgrade to WK3 supposed to work?
WK2 already includes safety glass (even laminated), WK3 requires an even higher glass safety rating.
Basic -> 2 locking bolts, standard handle, or with push button
RC1 (WK1) -> 4 locking bolts, lockable handle, laminated safety glass
RC2 (WK2) -> perimeter fittings as needed, lockable handle, safety glass as specified
RC3 (WK3) -> perimeter fittings, lockable handle, safety glass with a higher specification
If no safety glass is installed, the highest achievable level is RC2N.
RC1N and RC2N mean safety fittings of the respective class, but with different glazing.
From RC3 upwards, this exception does not apply.
The police and the state criminal investigation office don’t tell you anything you don’t already know, I can say that for sure—I just had a long conversation with my contact person from the association.
What they advise is basically to install as many additional security measures as possible, such as extra locks, lighting, and so on.
But those exact 30 seconds can be crucial—either to force the thief to give up or for a neighbor to come around the corner.
One single measure won’t stop anyone... not even a few mushroom head locks... But the combination of many small details... that’s what I believe at least...
In the original post, I wrote about WK1 windows being replaced by WK3. The WK3 windows held up, and then the burglars broke the glass and used the handle. If the handle had a lock, they would have had to break the entire glass or most likely find another way to escape.
What they advise is basically to install as many additional security measures as possible, such as extra locks, lighting, and so on.
HERR_bau schrieb:
The handle lock only delays a burglar by exactly 30 seconds. So it doesn’t make that much of a difference...
But those exact 30 seconds can be crucial—either to force the thief to give up or for a neighbor to come around the corner.
One single measure won’t stop anyone... not even a few mushroom head locks... But the combination of many small details... that’s what I believe at least...
In the original post, I wrote about WK1 windows being replaced by WK3. The WK3 windows held up, and then the burglars broke the glass and used the handle. If the handle had a lock, they would have had to break the entire glass or most likely find another way to escape.
Regarding this topic: In addition to mushroom head bolts according to RC2N, we also want to install laminated safety glass (VSG) on the ground floor. Even if it breaks, it will still hold together. Of course, there is no 100% security, but I haven’t read anything here about widespread break-in series.
Similar topics