By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
The other way in
Burglars rarely force a strong main door when an easier route exists. Balconies reached from drainage pipes, sunshades, compound walls, trees or adjoining terraces, and ground-floor or first-floor windows, are common entry points in Bangalore homes. Sliding balcony doors with basic latches can often be lifted off their tracks. Securing these routes is usually cheaper than any camera.
Grill options
Invisible grills are popular in Bangalore high-rises for children’s safety. They are an excellent fall barrier, but for security on low floors, combine them with door locks and sensors.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional MS grills | Strong, familiar, low cost | Block the view, rust, hard to escape through in a fire |
| Invisible grills (stainless steel cables) | Keep the view; good for child safety | Mainly a fall barrier — check strength and installer quality for security |
| Openable grills with locks | Allow escape in emergencies | Need a key kept nearby |
| Toughened or laminated glass railings | Modern look, safe for children | Not a barrier to climbing in |
Balcony door locks
- Fit a secondary lock on sliding doors — a floor bolt or anti-lift lock that stops the door being lifted off.
- Use a lockable handle on French doors.
- Keep a dowel or bar in the sliding track at night as a cheap extra.
- Make sure the balcony door can still be opened quickly from inside in a fire.
Sensors and alarms
- Magnetic contacts on balcony doors and opening windows raise an alarm when opened.
- Glass break detectors sense the sound of breaking glass.
- Outdoor beam or curtain sensors along a balcony detect someone before they reach the door.
- Link sensors to a siren, lights and phone alerts.
Cameras on balconies
A small camera on the balcony ceiling, looking along the balcony towards the railing, records anyone climbing in. Use human detection to avoid alerts for birds and monkeys, which are a real nuisance in many Bangalore neighbourhoods. Avoid pointing it into neighbours’ balconies or windows.
Windows
- Keep ground and first-floor windows locked when out, and limit openings with restrictors.
- Use window locks on sliding windows.
- Trim trees and remove ladders, bins or furniture that help someone climb.
- Add sensors on windows hidden from the street.
Children and fire safety
Balcony and window security must not trap people in a fire. Choose openable grills or invisible grills that can be cut in an emergency, keep keys accessible near barred exits, and teach the family how to get out. For children, invisible grills, window restrictors and keeping furniture away from railings prevent falls.
Child safety at home →An example
In a first-floor flat in Banashankari, the balcony was reachable from a drainage pipe and a neighbour’s sunshade. The family added an invisible grill for their toddler, an anti-lift lock and contact sensor on the sliding door, and a balcony camera with human detection. Two months later the camera recorded someone climbing the pipe at night; the siren triggered by the door contact sent him back down before he got in.
Secure every route in
We assess balconies and windows as part of a home security survey and install sensors, cameras and alarms that fit your home.
Burglar alarm installation →Quick answers
Are invisible grills safe against burglars?+
They are designed mainly as fall barriers. On low floors, add locks and sensors for security.
How do I stop a sliding balcony door being forced?+
Fit an anti-lift lock or floor bolt and a contact sensor.
Should I put a camera on my balcony?+
Yes for reachable balconies, pointed along your balcony with human detection.
Do grills create a fire risk?+
Fixed grills can. Use openable grills with keys nearby or invisible grills that can be cut.
Do monkeys and birds trigger balcony cameras?+
With basic motion detection they do. Human detection on the camera filters them out.
What are glass break detectors?+
Sensors that recognise the sound of breaking glass and trigger the alarm.