• Of course the first line of defense with windows is to have them in plain view, and well lit. See our section on lighting.

• Alarms are another great deterrent, especially when a window is hidden from view. See our section on alarms. Be sure to use the window stickers that come with your alarm system, but don’t rely on generic stickers that you can buy in a hardware store unless you have an alarm system to back them up. Professional burglars can spot a counterfeit.

• Generally speaking, burglars would just as soon not hassle with storm windows. Not only do they provide you with great heat insulation, but they are too time-consuming to suit the taste of most burglars.

• With casement windows that have cranks, keep the crank removed and stored near the window. These cranks usually do not need to be secured on the shaft with the set screw in order to operate the window, just placed on the shaft.

• Reinforce flimsy latches on sash windows by drilling holes through both sashes and inserting a nail that can be easily removed. Eye bolts work well too. Drill the hole at a slight downward angle so that the bolt doesn’t fall out.

• Remember that any of these measures can be counteracted if the burglar breaks a window. If you are concerned about any particular window, inquire at your hardware store about locks that require keys from the inside. Remember to store your key near the window in case of emergency.

• If you install bars, be sure that you can open them from the inside.

• Reinforce deep window wells with horizontal bars that are secured by a cable with a release mechanism so you don’t eliminate an emergency exit. By placing the bars at ground level, you prevent intruders from disappearing into the window well and working on your window in seclusion. You also prevent someone from accidentally falling in.

• Windows within 44 inches of doorknobs should be replaced with lexan, and the doors should be double-key, with the key kept nearby for emergency exits.

• Skylights should be made of lexan so that they are difficult to break, and they should be monitored by your alarm system in case they are pried open

• Remember that privacy is a key defense in protecting your house.

Make sure that your window treatments don’t allow people to see into your house–particularly at night.