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Original poster

Locking windows

28 replies

Dollgiraffe · 08/06/2022 20:09

DP and I have just had a row as I asked him to lock the window when he closed it ( downstairs, front lounge one). He said no one locks windows. I said why wouldn’t you?! There’s nothing to be lost by doing it but could be by not doing it. Who is right? It’s me isn’t it!?

OP posts:
neverknowinglyunreasonable · 08/06/2022 20:11

If nobody locks windows then why do they have a key? Riddle me that?

Probably should lock them for insurance reasons anyway.

Original poster
Dollgiraffe · 08/06/2022 20:12

I said exactly these points!

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 08/06/2022 20:18

My insurance wouldn't pay out if I was burgled and hadn't locked the windows.

babblingbumblingbandofbaboons · 08/06/2022 20:19

Sorry OP, I’m with your DP here. I’ve never locked my windows - standard upvc double glazed that open either tilted from the top or like a door. My reasoning for not locking them comes from fire safety - if I ever needed to use the windows (downstairs or upstairs) to escape I absolutely would not want to be fiddling with tiny window keys, even if they are already in the lock they can be fiddly. I also assess the chances of anyone being able to break through the closed window through lack of it being locked as really really low, since there’s no way to access a handle etc from the outside and very little else to leverage on.

StoneofDestiny · 08/06/2022 20:20

Always lock my windows.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 08/06/2022 20:24

It's really easy to open a doubleglazed unit from the outside if it's unlocked. I had an attempted break in about 4 years ago and they'd got a flat piece of metal in, but hadn't been able to get any further because it was locked. Conveniently, they had been so convinced it would work, they left some absolutely perfect black fingerprints all over the frame and the piece of metal that got stuck in the process.

In addition, always doublelock the door - they'd managed to get the handle hanging off, but still couldn't get it open because the multipoint bolts weren't playing ball with them, either.

The Police enjoyed that visit, as it made it so much easier for them to identify and pick up the scumbag.

alwaysmovingforwards · 08/06/2022 23:03

babblingbumblingbandofbaboons · 08/06/2022 20:19

Sorry OP, I’m with your DP here. I’ve never locked my windows - standard upvc double glazed that open either tilted from the top or like a door. My reasoning for not locking them comes from fire safety - if I ever needed to use the windows (downstairs or upstairs) to escape I absolutely would not want to be fiddling with tiny window keys, even if they are already in the lock they can be fiddly. I also assess the chances of anyone being able to break through the closed window through lack of it being locked as really really low, since there’s no way to access a handle etc from the outside and very little else to leverage on.

Yup my thinking also.
Don't even know where the little keys are!

alwaysmovingforwards · 08/06/2022 23:05

Plus if anyone were attempting to try and get in, the dogs would have plenty to say about it.

megletthesecond · 08/06/2022 23:08

I lock my large downstairs windows.

Goldencarp · 08/06/2022 23:09

I lock some windows but leave the means of escape windows unlocked when we are home. My kids are teens and adults, when they were little the windows were always locked.

purpleme12 · 08/06/2022 23:11

I used to leave the windows unlocked in the old to be honest.
I felt safe there.
I don't feel safe here. Always keep the downstairs window locked when it's closed

toomuchlaundry · 08/06/2022 23:11

Always lock windows, and have keys by the windows

easyday · 08/06/2022 23:14

I don't have the keys. But you can't open the bottom part anyway, just the top and the handle is on the inside. I can't see how they could jimmy it open either.
If it was a sash window I'd lock it.

Newestname002 · 08/06/2022 23:14

NeverDropYourMooncup · 08/06/2022 20:24

It's really easy to open a doubleglazed unit from the outside if it's unlocked. I had an attempted break in about 4 years ago and they'd got a flat piece of metal in, but hadn't been able to get any further because it was locked. Conveniently, they had been so convinced it would work, they left some absolutely perfect black fingerprints all over the frame and the piece of metal that got stuck in the process.

In addition, always doublelock the door - they'd managed to get the handle hanging off, but still couldn't get it open because the multipoint bolts weren't playing ball with them, either.

The Police enjoyed that visit, as it made it so much easier for them to identify and pick up the scumbag.

I really hope they got their Judy punishment for that little burglary effort?

I also lock my windows (with keys very close by) and double lock my doors, front and back. 🌹

Gingernaut · 08/06/2022 23:15

Lock the windows and keep a hook out of sight of the window and hidden by the curtains to put the keys on

jubileetrain · 08/06/2022 23:15

Yes to locking windows. Even when they are open on the catch I lock them.

OnTheBoardwalk · 08/06/2022 23:15

I don’t lock smaller higher up windows but I make sure I always say on my home insurance I don’t have lockable windows

if you say you do and don’t lock them they won’t pay out if used to gain entry

same with alarm system. Unless you have it regularly serviced many won’t cover or reduce for it

Newestname002 · 08/06/2022 23:16

Just punishment - not Judy (though I bet Judge Judy would have would have marked their card ... 🌹

Chouah · 08/06/2022 23:17

I don't lock them. What if there was a fire. Where do you keep the keys ?

Beamish22 · 08/06/2022 23:20

Chouah · 08/06/2022 23:17

I don't lock them. What if there was a fire. Where do you keep the keys ?

In the locks.

Chouah · 08/06/2022 23:22

@Beamish22 so what's the point then?

Saracen · 09/06/2022 01:03

babblingbumblingbandofbaboons · 08/06/2022 20:19

Sorry OP, I’m with your DP here. I’ve never locked my windows - standard upvc double glazed that open either tilted from the top or like a door. My reasoning for not locking them comes from fire safety - if I ever needed to use the windows (downstairs or upstairs) to escape I absolutely would not want to be fiddling with tiny window keys, even if they are already in the lock they can be fiddly. I also assess the chances of anyone being able to break through the closed window through lack of it being locked as really really low, since there’s no way to access a handle etc from the outside and very little else to leverage on.

I agree. I'd rather be burgled than be unable to escape in a fire. I don't value my possessions that much.

Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 09/06/2022 01:09

Gingernaut · 08/06/2022 23:15

Lock the windows and keep a hook out of sight of the window and hidden by the curtains to put the keys on

This! I also look them in that draft position where they are open yet not open open iyswim.

Strawberriesaregreat · 09/06/2022 01:34

What?! Of course you lock them and just keep the keys near the windows for safety. Give his head a wobble! 😁

NewHouseNewMe · 09/06/2022 02:16

Does anyone know what the police and fire brigade recommend?
I am also concerned about fire and getting out of locked windows.