Not funny.....
On the more modern tilted windows I've had, the handle could only be turned back when the window was closed, which would be difficult if you've got hold of the handle from outside. Our previous (40+ yo) ones here didn't have that - but then if you turn the handle the wrong way while tilted the window ends up with only one hinge and drops down and jams , so even less chance of getting in.
TBH I've never really understood window security locks - every one I've ever seen has a key in it or a key nearby! Once they're in, they'll find the key, or they have all the time they need to stack up your valuables and then lever open the window to get out.
Replace the windows with bricks.
Pure daylight robbery
i lived on the ground floor once, but the difference was that i was at the back of the building so nothing accessible to the street. other downsides of GF: noise from front door opening and closing (you hear everybody come in and out).
You could install movement detection sensor lights. But then every cat in the neighborhood will set also em off. Surveillance cameras are another possibility.
Warning signs about vicious dogs also help.
But the best protection is this simple device: https://bestreviews.com/best-window-alarms
Cheap and easy to install. Just don't forget to turn em off before opening the window or door.
We installed a bar like this, which also blocks the windows from opening further when it is opened at a slant. But we got it professionally installed.
https://www.galaxus.ch/de/s4/product...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
Normal windows can be popped open with a crowbar within a few seconds, without too much noise, so these simple bars will make it a bit more difficult. As most break-ins are opportunitistic, you want firstly, to create doubt about there being no one at home, then you want the motion sensor lights to come on, then make it difficult for them to crowbar your window that they stop trying after a 10-20 seconds and prefer to just move on to the next easy target (your neighbour who have the blinds down, dark apartment and obviously not at home).
If you are looking at a new build, you can get windows with something similar built in which are much nicer looking.
While you are at home, as someone said above, just lower the blinds, tilt it a bit and leave your windows open (should be even better if you have insect nets).
We happen to have a small weather station on the balcony that transmits info every 15 seconds or so, and the little red light flashes. It's right next to the balcony door. If you don't know what it is, you think it's some sort of security system. One of our neighbors even asked where we bought our security system.
Isn't that what youporn is for?
Nope, that's for trolling your neighbors at 2AM during the summer nights when people leave the windows open.
Thanks for all your answers to my 1st World problem!! You fellows are brilliant. Some really useful stuff here. Am on mobile, so will reply in detail a bit later!!
Cheers!!
According to an officer of the Kantonspolizei, there is a 1/17 chance per annum of your ground floor apartment being broken into. However, I then hear of friends leaving windows ajar while they were away for the weekend and am not really surprised.
A slight detour:
As long as you do not have a dog.
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If you have a dog, as crazy as it may sound such signs could end up putting your dog in jeopardy if, doG forbid, there were ever an incident, including with a burglar.
Essentially you've labeled your dog as dangerous, which could be used against you. The cantonal measures against dangerous dogs could then come crashing down on you - and on your pooch.
Better signs are 'Dogs live here' on your doors or windows, and 'Dogs run free in this garden' on your garden gate.*
I know this sounds over the top, but in today's climate one really has to be careful.
*And FYI, it is recommended that your garden sign includes a drawing of a dog, for children who cannot yet read.
Now back to discussing ground floor security...
Oh, no, please! Our neighbours have floodlights with sensors...their damn cat sets them off all night long, not to mention the cavorting marder, who chase each other around on summer nights. We've had to put blackout curtains in our guest bedroom.
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I live on ground floor. I sleep with open window in summer.
Last night - for the first time, no doubt due to this thread - I heard some funny noises. It sounded like someone kicking a ball across the pebbles, which would be weird at 2am. It did not worry, only puzzle me a bit.
I do check all windows when I leave the house but have them all wide open no matter what I do or where I am when I'm home.
The weirdest thing that once happened was a 90 year old woman walking right in on me, marching through my flat-door, thinking it was someone else's flat. So yup, my main door is always locked now.
OP, I think if you feel uneasy about it, you should not live on ground floor, you'll not feel at home (feeling at home means feeling safe, sheltered and protected). Logic, bars on windows, flood lights .... they won't make you feel that way. They will only constantly remind you that you don't.
Yes, I know what you mean by keeping them open on slant. I'd like them Fully Open !!
Good to know !! Am a bit surprised !! Thanks, this was helpful !!
All 3 bedroom windows are right beside a street.
I have 2 little girls.
So the dynamic changes a bit.
Some (all?) blinds can be simply lifted from outside. But after reading here what someone else mentioned , - nobody's gonna do it 1)coz it would be noisy 2)and nobody would want to sneak in when we are at home
This makes more sense to me. Often we fail to find/see the simplest way out. That's why its good to speak out , like i did here.
But still I'm gonna add the 'beware of dog' sign and those 2 gizmos i read about over here(see below)
Gizmo 1
Who thinks of these things? Brilliant !! This will have to be in the Living room though. Not in our bedrooms
Gizmo 2
Thank you both !!
The heavy metal ones need machinery. It is possible, but hard to go unnoticed.
As someone who lived on a ground floor, I wouldn't.
1. I felt unsafe (at least less safe than on an upper floor)
2. Less light
3. More bugs (though we were also close to forest...)
4. not a major consideration for more modern ones but ground floor apartments are a bit colder and more mildew