It is reported that over half he burglaries that occur in the UK are through a forced window. The burglar either strips the window and then slips the catch, so opening the window, or by simply forcing an unsecured window. So how can you protect yourself.
Well one of the easiest way is to fit a window lock. Window locks do not cost very much money and fitting them would leave the bugler the option of smashing the window which may well create enough noise to raise the attention of neighbors, or giving up and going onto another house which is less well secured.
The choice of window lock you buy will depend on the type of window concerned.
Modern double glazed units will have locks already. But for older windows such as those which are hinged within a wooden frame, wooden sash windows, or windows which are surrounded by a metal frame, care should be taken in the choice of lock. One of the most important considerations is wherever the window is often used. If this is the case then there is always the possibility that his will be a weak point in your house's security as there is always the possibility that you might forget to lock the often used window. If this is the case then you might wish to consider buying one that automatically lock on closure, so eliminating the possibility of it being unsecured.
The number of locks that should be deployed will depend on the size of the window. For a fanlight or a small window then one single lock will be fine to use, for larger windows then you should consider using more than one lock. Most normally one would be placed at the top and one placed at the bottom on the side of the window frame where the catch is located.
Surface mounted frame locks offer less security than a rack bolt as the efficiency of surface mounted frame lock depends of the sturdiness of the frame itself. Unfortunately fitting a rack bolt is not necessarily an easy process and a hole will have to be drilled out to house the bolt.
For metal framed windows, Cockspur, Frame and Integral locks are available. A Cockspur lock slides up to secure the window. A Frame lock is fitted to the casement and it has a catch which secures with edge of the frame. An integral frame lock is specifically designed to fit within the frame of the casement.