FACT: Estimated 3.7 million household burglaries each year (U.S. Department of Justice)
FACT: Over 8000+ Break–ins / invasions occur every single day
FACT: One out of every five homes / businesses will experience a break In or Invasion.
FACT: 65% of break-ins and invasions are through glass windows and doors. For homes this would be the patio sliding glass doors, and for businesses it would be a glass door or side window. Intruders know that it doesn’t take much for glass to shatter to the ground upon the slightest amount of blunt force.
FACT: An intruder / burglar only spends an average of 60-90 seconds in your home or business!
FACT: It takes an average of 5-7 minutes for a 1st responder (police) to arrive at the scene. Note: in remote areas, it’s even longer I.E: 15-20 minutes!
So what security measures can we take that offer better protection and buy more time?
Understanding that 65% of break-ins are through window / door glass doors, listed below are some suggestions:
- Window protection Films
- Security Screens
- Window Bars
- Metal Window Blinds
Let’s look at each option:
SECURITY FILM:
Safety film for windows comes in a variety of thicknesses. The thicker the better, for example 14 mil security films is much stronger and offers more protection (time) than 2 mil security film. Installed properly, security film will hold the glass in place upon blunt force. The glass will not shatter to the ground. This becomes a major deterrent for an intruder. You have just spoiled his timing. Since the security film is clear, the intruder has no idea that there is glass protection.
Listed below is a picture of ½” protected by 14 mil window film protection (unframed) that was shot over 7 times. Although some of the rounds went through, the glass did not shatter into pieces.
Summary: Overall, the least expensive protection for window and door glass for your homes or businesses (leaves a clear untouched look to glass).
It buys you TIME!
SECURITY SCREENS:
Certainly a good deterrent against intruders based on the vendor using 304 steel mesh and triple locking mechanism. It’s all in the vendor or retailer you purchase the screens from and their installation team. Big box hardware retailers are usually lower in cost but do not necessarily offer the best product and use general installers. (That could be a real problem). This is mostly used by home owners. An intruder will usually pass on a house with security screens as it will take more time to enter.
Summary: Great deterrent but costly to install for the entire home. The beauty of the home’s window picture glass is immediately lost. That can be an issue for some people. This is very seldom used in business as it is not cost effective.
SECURITY BARS:
Security Bars have been used for years by home owners and businesses. It sends a very clear unsightly message to people. Not something that you would want to see in residential or business locations.
Summary: Affordable but unsightly.
METAL WINDOW / DOOR BLINDS:
These manual or motorized metal security blinds are very effective against an intruder and certainly less unsightly than security bars. The cost is also much higher. Blinds will need to be on a yearly maintenance program.
Summary: Effective but costly. Also, over time the roll up and down mechanism system can have its problems.
Overview:
Any of the four choices will prevent an intruder from entering quickly through glass windows and doors, thus buying you TIME:
*Time to think
* Time to React
* Time to take cover
* Time to call for HELP!
These physical glass barriers are called by Law Enforcement a form of “Hardening the Target” and are used on a daily basis. These protective measures are now recommended by law agencies for churches, hospitals and more worldwide. To learn more please visit: https://triadsecuritysolutions.com/collections/window-security-film-installers