Protect Glass and Windows

Hi Everyone, 

While we start a New Year we still need to consider the security of our homes. Unsurprisingly glass is vulnerable to being smashed, cracked and damaged which could result in thieves entering your property. 

Patio, French and bi-fold doors can all be vulnerable along with large pictures windows or windows in hidden / less visible locations.   

The glass in your home could be:  

Toughened – design to crack into tiny pieces to reduce injury, for safety rather security.

Laminated – effectively two panes of glass with plastic between, which holds it in place if hit – a security and safety product, although it can be heavy and expensive

Float or annealed – found in older properties, tends to be single pane and breaks into jagged pieces potentially causing serious injury. 

Double glazed panes may slow an intruder, but it is the type of glass in the panes that is important. 

Way to protect glass / windows:

Windows should be fitted with key operated locks; keys should not be left in locks.

Iron mongery should be in good working order.

Anti-shatter film can be applied, it will hold glass if place if smashed, slowing entry, a cheaper version of laminated glass.

If your home has large panes of glass, it may be worth considering an intruder alarm so vibration sensors can be fitted, they will trigger the alarm as soon as the glass is hit, before anyone enters the property, contact sensors should still be used. 

Small stand alone contact and vibration sensors are also available, however are only audible, tend not to be linked into an alarm system.

Grills or bars might be an option for some windows

The attached documents contain additional information or please contact the Crime Prevention Team via edinburghpreventandintervent@scotland.police.uk 

If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your property or vehicle, please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved.  

Please call 999 in an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 for non-emergency, to report the matter to the police.

Regards

PC Campbell 

Police Scotland 

Edinburgh Division

Prevention, Interventions and Partnerships Department