You may not be aware of this, but one of the most overlooked aspects to home security is your home’s windows. Burglars can break the glass or pry the windows open to get into your home. Additionally, they can even lift some sliding windows right out of their tracks—even if they’re locked.

If you’ve already invested in a home security system to keep your family and your belongings safe, you may not have considered shoring up the windows to keep the bad guys out.

One way to do that is by having your home security system provider install perimeter sensors on the windows. If you want to keep you windows open, your provider can install specialized sensors in the window screens. That way you can keep the windows open, without disabling your home security system.

Here are five other tips to help you burglar-proof your windows:

1. Use Reinforced Glass: Install impact resistant glass, which is very difficult for a burglar to break. Tempered glass is far more resilient than regular panes of glass, meaning that a criminal won’t be able to smash it with the regular tools of his trade. You can also use plexiglass, which looks like glass but is actually made of a thick plastic. Plexiglass is also difficult to break.
2. Install Floodlights: Burglars hate light. They don’t want to risk being seen. So install floodlights over your most vulnerable windows.
3. Install Motion-Activated Lights: If you don’t want to use floodlights over every window, such as a bedroom window, you can install motion-activated lights. That way the lights will only go on automatically when someone walks by. Not only will motion-activated lights save energy, they’ll catch a burglar off-guard, sending him in search of a more attractive target.
4. Plant Rose Bushes: Use nature to your advantage. Plant roses or another type of thorny bush around your vulnerable windows. You’ll enjoy the lovely scent of the roses, while at the same time deterring deter a thief from breaking into your home through the windows. Burglars don’t want to get all tangled up in the thorns.
5. Secure Casement Windows: These windows—which are hinged at the top, side, or bottom and swing—are the simplest to secure. The Pawtucket Police say you should replace the handle catches with keyed locking handles and remove the crank when it’s not being use. Keep the key away from the window, but ensure that’s you can access it easily if there’s an emergency.

These tips will help you protect your loved ones and your home from bad guys trying to get in through your windows.

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