General News
20 September, 2024
Home security 101: how window shutters can deter burglaries
To protect your home and family, deterring potential burglars is important. Discover what we've learned about security and why window shutters take the lead.
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With an ever-increasing number of criminal incidents in Victoria being reported in the news, it is little wonder that home security has become a primary focus for many.
While the security industry abounds with a litany of solutions all claiming to be the best or most advanced, the reality is that they all offer differences in how security is achieved.
If, like many Victorians, you're considering an upgrade to your home's security, it can be a challenge to know where to begin. In an ideal world, deterring burglaries and criminal activity before they can occur would be the best outcome, but is this achievable?
To better understand how homeowners can protect themselves, their properties and their loved ones, we've delved into the current landscape and spoke with David Spotiswood, CEO of Melbourne's Titan Shutters. Here's what we found out.
Crime on the rise in Victoria
There's a tendency for many of us to be quite complacent when it comes to security, after all, Australia is the lucky country, right? Low on crime and generally safe?
While comparatively low when looking at other major cities in developed nations, our crime rate is still alarming and not limited to sensationalist headlines.
A fact that is supported by data released by Victoria's Crime Statistics Bureau: 'The number of criminal incidents recorded by Victoria Police in the year to 31 December 2023 was 385,782, up 10.6 per cent from 348,670 incidents recorded in the same period last year.'
Of this, criminal damage and theft were in the top five offence subgroups. Considering these facts, it is even easier to understand why home security is an escalating priority for Victorians.
How window shutters prevent & protect against crime
There's no arguing that CCTV and alarm systems can play a key role in preventing burglaries.
But while they are a visible deterrent that may be enough to put off some intruders, the fact remains, they do not provide a physical barrier against intrusion. Add to this the necessary upkeep required to keep these systems current and operational and they certainly lose some of their shine.
So what is the alternative? External window shutters - also known as security shutters.
"Roller shutters fitted to the outside of your home's windows deliver unmatched security. A strong, physical barrier against burglars, they cannot be pushed, kicked, pulled or cut out of place," said David Spotiswood, CEO of Titan Shutters
A long-term industry expert, Spotiswood testifies to the effectiveness of roller shutters not only as a premium security solution, but also as one that improves your homes energy efficiency and privacy, alongside noise and light control among other benefits.
Window shutter security explained
So how does a window shutter work in terms of security? The most important thing to note is that these shutters are not simply for show and look nothing like the decorative shutters you've seen on French chateaus.
The secret to their effectiveness is made up of two parts, their construction and installation.
Most window roller shutters are made using high-strength, insulated aluminium that is fixed into a track made of the same material. Durable and strong, they are corrosion resistant and capable of withstanding incredible force.
To maintain their integrity, they must also be professionally installed and secured to the house to form a complete seal over the window.
The psychological effects of visible security
As we mentioned previously, stopping someone accessing your property during an attempted burglary is paramount, but stopping them from even trying is better.
This is where the value of window shutters as a deterrent comes in.
Research and studies performed on criminal activity consistently shows that visible security measures can be highly effective at deterring various types of crimes - including would-be burglars.
The reason for this is the psychological effect they exert. When scoping out a target, such as a home within a residential neighbourhood, any property that has obvious security is going to be less appealing.
The principle behind this is simple: the increased possibility of being caught heightens the perceived risk for potential offenders. This may then dissuade them from committing the burglary, instead moving on to a different location where no security is present.
A home with shutters is not an easy target, any attempt at gaining entry will be a loud and lengthy process - drawing unnecessary and unwanted attention. This is how window shutters can deter burglars and keep them at bay.
Window shutters vs other security as a deterrent
If you've ever thought that visible security measures simply draw more attention to your premises as one with something worth stealing, you're not wrong.
Career criminals have long since confirmed the same when interviewed. Yet unlike alarms or cameras, shutters can draw attention to your home but just as quickly have it ruled out. They are simply too challenging to overcome or ignore.
A long-term investment with unmatched longevity
With quality window shutters capable of lasting with no change in performance for decades at a time, they represent an investment that delivers optimal returns.
Able to be integrated with technology that allows you to schedule their opening and closing or manage them remotely, shutters provide utmost peace of mind now and into the future.
Whether you're ready to up your security or you're still on the fence about how necessary it is, as our investigation shows, crime is on the rise. Investing in a method for deterring burglars from your home and prohibiting their entry is something seriously worth considering.