Window Security Bars?

[joe]

I am currently resisting a project to put security bars on my windows, but I don't know if on balance I am right to do so.

Last month the first and second floors were broken into so the school administration has decided that all foreigner housing will have window security bars installed. And everyone else has accepted. The installation process has been going on for the last three days. Also, just after the break in all the door locks were changed.

Now, I live on the top floor, the seventh. One of the treasures of this apartment is a big picture window in the living room that looks out onto the lake. From a security point of view this means that an enterprising thief need only wander down to one of the other stairwells, one without a security door, wander upstairs, then climb up through the small access panel at the top of the stairs onto the roof. He could climb over the roof to the back of the building where he would be unseen by anyone because of the canted roof and because this building is the last before the lake and has no adjacent buildings. Technically it would be easier to get in through the kitchen window--it's big enough to allow a man through and the roof structure doesn't stick out into space as it does over the living room window. Unless the windows are actually latched closed there is no way to prevent them from being slid open.

Anyway, I'm mainly resisting because the actual construction process is annoying and intrusive--a bunch of guys climbing in and out of the windows for three or four hours and otherwise wandering through the house--, and because the final result would be a tremendous eyesore every day. But I'm wondering about security now too.

On balance would you say Yes or No to security bars?

[Dragonsaver]

How about a compromise. Yes to the kitchen, no to the picture window. Make them do a security door on the roof access - that makes more sense to me.

[joe]

That's the first fall back position (though a security door on the roof access is pointless because there's about eight other stairwells in the building and they ain't got security doors, nor is the school going to provide them).

Second fall back position is give in, get the crap installed, and after about a week whip out the tools and take the living room bars off. They are no more than bolted into place anyway. But they're heavy, and if I drop it, it'll take out all the airconditioners on the way down.

I was of two minds this morning, but then I had a look at the building on the way out to class.

[Raoul Duke]

Sometimes our good friends in the PSB, ever mindful of our health and safety, require security bars on all our apartments. If the police are indeed involved in this, your choices are to take the bars or move.

They're considered a good idea on the lowest 2-3 floors...and on top floors, since apparently people are pretty good at swinging down from the roof here. I've personally encountered the ingenuity, boldness, and desperation that thieves here can display. Don't take it too lightly!

Otherwise, see if the school will compromise by installing security bars that can be opened, and locked securely when they are closed. This will let you get the unfettered view when you really want it, but also give you some security when you're not home or while you're asleep.

[Lotus Eater]

By refusing to take the security bars, or pulling them out afterwards, you effectively absolve anyone of any responsibility if something happens to you while you are asleep, or if you are broken into while you are away. The school and the PSB will be able to point out that you refused security measures and therefore are totally at fault yourself.

Do you have stuff you would hate to go missing?

For me it is not just the loss of dongxi, it is also the feeling that someone I did not invite was in my place, looking through, touching my stuff. Nasty feeling!

Take the security bars - thieves have already shown an interest in the place - they now know weak points etc.

It sounds weird, but you will at some stage get used to the bars and factor them out of your 'seeing' - you'll still see the lake.

[Eagle's Nest]

Joe,

Good advice above. I especially like the idea of being able to open the living room bars so that you could have your 'view' when wanted/needed. Be glad that they are a bit paranoid. This is their homeland and they know their weaknesses. And in the end, it is for our benefit and protection.

[Stil]

There are security wires that are unobtrusive. They are just thin wires that if cut trigger an alarm. More expensive than the bars though.