Hi all
Following someone attempting to destroy my boyfriend's bike lock last night (not even an expensive bike ) my thoughts are turning to Collapsible Window bars (i.e., the less tacky looking sort that you fit internally and that don't mean you fry if there's a house fire). Has anyone had these fitted? How much do they cost? Can you DIY fit them or is it best (given limited DIY skills) to get them done for us.
thanks for any advice/experiences
Rachel

I have no idea... but do you really live somewhere where you feel that is necessary?... I have found homes with bars on the windows feel claustrophobic and a it like a prison... you would be better off with those window locks that you can buy in any good DIY store... and keep the key (or a hammer) nearby in case of fire.

Ary.

Hi Ary
yes me too, I've lived in places that feel like prisons, which is why I was thinking of 'collapsible' bars - i.e. you can keep them open and hardly visible when you're at home. Lots of rich people have them in areas that I cycle through to work (to keep me out? ) Mind you that probably means I can't afford them
At least we're getting double glazing soon so that should sort out the lock situation. Maybe bars are overkill.

I know the type of thing you mean, they concertina back, so you can conceal them with opened curtains during daylight if you want to.

But yes I think they are expensive, and overkill. It was only a bike!

If you really feel threatened, an alarm would be preferable IMO.

Surely if you only close them when you're out you're advertising that the house is empty?

I knew someone who had barred windows in Italy. The theives posed as workmen and ripped them out with one of those drill things that workmen use for digging up the road.

I've got them - inherited them with the house - although I don't really know why they were there as the house is very inaccessible from the back.

One useful function is that they allow you to leave the doors open if you are going out, or at night, during summer and so the house is nice and cool and airy .

quote:

Surely if you only close them when you're out you're advertising that the house is empty?

Well yeah, but as they're INSIDE the windows, it's pretty hard for a thief to break in. (Also, people can check if you're in by knocking on the door. Not hard. Then if you're in 'Hello - Jehovah's Witnesses!' ) They also can't use a drill. Many people in my area have external window bars, I agree, I could break into those myself! And they're a fire hazard.

Velvet, yeah - I've decided it is overkill (specially looking at prices). However, my boyfriend wouldn't appreciate 'only a bike' - it's his means of commuting, shopping etc.

quote:

Originally posted by rach_17:

Velvet, yeah - I've decided it is overkill (specially looking at prices). However, my boyfriend wouldn't appreciate 'only a bike' - it's his means of commuting, shopping etc.

I just meant putting bars on the windows was an overkill method of protecting a bike!