Burglary protection - Upgrade windows from WK2 to WK3 - Alarm system?

Hello dear forum community,

due to recent events, I would like to ask around how new and old builders think about burglary protection and what they might have installed or still plan to do. Also, whether anyone has had good or bad experiences with this or that product.

Now to the current situation. Last week, our immediate neighbors were broken into, and then two houses behind us as well.

Once, there was an attempt to lift the front door, but the triple locking held... then they went through the terrace (WK1), where the door gave way.

At the other house, first at the back at a small window (WK3), also unsuccessful, then also through the terrace door (WK3), but here the shutter was torn off and the triple glazing shattered.

Conclusion: jewelry, electronics, and all small and valuable items are gone, also jackets, etc. Larger items were left, but everything was rummaged through and smashed as if by a bomb.

The day before yesterday, the next break-in a few streets away... all at dusk around 5-6 pm

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

Otherwise, we have video surveillance all around... now we are adding 10x 20w LED floodlights all around, which turn on with movement and stay on for a while (aimed away from the house).

Additionally, a siren on the roof, which is coupled with the KNX alarm system and will trigger in case of glass break or unauthorized window opening. (I still need to buy the glass break detectors)

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

We have also thought a lot about it; apart from mushroom head locks and later an alarm system, nothing is planned so far. However, that may still change, as construction doesn’t start until mid-year...

Basically, in my opinion, most measures serve more to reassure the residents (and spend a lot of money) than to effectively prevent break-ins.

Okay, a door/window with a high security rating is great and maybe a burglar now needs 3 minutes instead of 5 seconds, but the glass in the window is still the biggest risk of breakage. I think over 50% depends on the surroundings. So neighboring buildings, traffic situation, watchful neighbors...

Therefore, it is always an individual decision what one wants to do to satisfy one’s own security needs, because in my opinion that is primarily what it comes down to. Helpful here is also advice from local security companies or the state police. Although the latter have been fully booked with us for months.

Mandatory for me as a homeowner are: mushroom head locks, motion detectors/video surveillance in preparation. What I don’t think much of is, for example, window handle locks with keys. Because after 10 years you won’t find the keys anymore...

With us, RC2 windows. Although we also have light and motion detectors on two sides, I personally find that disturbing. It is incredibly annoying when the light goes on every time a cat is in the garden. I don't think much of video surveillance. I consider the deterrent effect to be very limited to nonexistent with the respective clientele.

With us, RC2 windows. We also have light and motion detectors on two sides, but I personally find that annoying. It’s incredibly irritating when the light turns on every time a cat is in the garden. I don’t think much of video surveillance. The deterrent effect is very limited to non-existent for the relevant clientele.

I agree with you. The video surveillance is also more for peace of mind and for me as a toy with the smartphone (what is my child doing in the garden, etc.) hehe.

What I don't think much of is, for example, the window handle lock with a key. Because after 10 years you can't find the keys anymore...

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

And my keys have still been in the same place after 6 years and none have been lost... actually, I find the lockable handles to be after the mushroom cams the second most important feature of a safer window.

I don't find garden lights bad either, then they just go on when a cat walks by... so what? In December many voluntarily turn their garden into a fair where all sorts of things blink etc.

The surveillance cameras are certainly not an effective protection, but I think the opportunistic thief is sometimes deterred by them and I sleep more peacefully when I can look around the house in 5 seconds anytime without having to get out of bed, for example, and make sure there is no unauthorized person lurking around.

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

Refer again to security consultations that are offered free of charge by the LKA or the police you trust, or alternatively by security companies. The handle lock delays a burglar by exactly 30 seconds. So they don’t make that much of a difference...