Purpose of key locking on windows?

osaddict · 19 August 2015 at 9:40AM

If you can get your arm inside a fanlight (which many people leave open) and the windows aren't locked then you can use something like a coat hanger to open the window and get into the property. It's something we've done a couple of times with the help of a neighbours ladder when we locked ourselves out years ago!

So, if the windows were locked and the key wasn't in the lock then this would make it more secure I assume.

Hintza · 19 August 2015 at 9:54AM

IIRC when we built our house all the windows came with locking windows and building control was not happy with them (on first floor). You can not lock them with the push of a button so the compromise was that at his next visit all the keys had to be removed otherwise all the mechanisms would have to be replaced.

None of the windows have ever been locked.

ididntgetwhereiamtoday · 19 August 2015 at 3:00PM

Nobody ever locks their windows do they?

EssexExile · 19 August 2015 at 3:15PM

Elf'n'safety advise that you leave the keys somewhere near the window & obvious incase you need to leap out the window quickly at any time. Of course that makes them handier for Mr Housebreaker to use them too.

jackyann · 19 August 2015 at 5:14PM

When I organised a community safety event, we had a discussion with police & fire representatives about keys / locks on windows etc.
We all agreed that in the end it comes down to what you are most scared about and/or what your insurance company is most bothered about!

As for child safety, you can get windows that "lock" in the slightly open position to allow ventilation.

Biggles · 19 August 2015 at 8:17PM

EssexExile wrote: »

Elf'n'safety advise that you leave the keys somewhere near the window & obvious incase you need to leap out the window quickly at any time. Of course that makes them handier for Mr Housebreaker to use them too.

My keys are all handy in case you need to open the windows in an emergency. But they are either out of sight from the window or, if visible, at least a dozen feet away across the room from it.

Torry_Quine · 19 August 2015 at 8:28PM

ididntgetwhereiamtoday wrote: »

Nobody ever locks their windows do they?

My windows are always locked, would seem strange not to.

dacouch · 19 August 2015 at 9:03PM

From an Insurance point of view, key operated window locks (Assuming the key is not left in them) make it more difficult for a thief to gain entry through the window.

The other advantage they have (Especially if you have dead locks on the exit doors eg door locks that can only be opened from the inside or out by the key) is that the thief cannot exit through the door and cannot open windows so would need to enter and leave through a broken window. They cannot take large items through a broken window so it reduces the amount they can steal

lstar337 · 20 August 2015 at 8:41AM

We use them for our little one.

She knows not to open the windows, but it is extra peace of mind knowing that she cannot.

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