Statistics indicate that one third of all burglers gain access to properties through the windows. Double glazing provides some security in that it is harder to break than single glazing. Glazing beads are difficult to remove but it is recommended, as a precautionary measure, that these should be glued and pinned for additional security. Because the noise of breaking glass could alert neighbours and passers by to criminal activity, easing open the sashes on a window is a preferable means of undetected entry and, therefore, lockable ironmongery should be fitted to all replacements.

Before instructing your contractor, check with your insurance company to see if there are additional security measures that you can specify which, whilst in the short term may increase the cost of your installation, may, in the long term, prove cost effective in the savings made on your household insurances. It is recommended that lockable stays and fasteners should be fitted to casement windows and, for additional security, casement locks. On sliding sash windows, lockable sash fasteners should be fitted together with sash stops.