Bars or shutters?

[Cavfan]

When we had the work done to our place when we bought in 2004, we had mossie nets and iron work put up. We made the mistake of leaving the fitting of blinds to our local friend. What we actually got was UPVC shutters which negated the need for the iron work etc. a right waste of money , still you live and learn. What are people's views on which are best for security? I realise having nets and iron mean you can leave windows open and not use the aircon but are they better?

[mac2010]

Plastic shutters are no where near as secure as ironwork.

[LeeGlo]

As you've already got all three, I'd keep them all but just use the shutters as well when you are not here. The times when you are, you have the security of the iron work, and the option to open the windows.

[buddy]

Save your money, bars and shutters will only keep honest people out, invest in a good quality security system. We have bars on all windows and doors but it didn't stop them, they got through them without any damage, they also managed to open a door without any damage, amazing!!! But as soon as they opened the door the alarm system triggered and they fled without even setting foot in the place, now they know the alarm is genuine, not a dummy box, they will go somewhere that isn't alarmed.  

[Jacqui Harvey]

I would recommend bars and a security system.  A Policeman once told us that a thief will attempt an entry anywhere and nothing is foolproof, however, if they thief sees bars and a burglar alarm they will find a house without these things as a thief wants atrouble free life so will always take the easy option.
Incidentally,  we were told by a maintenance guy that bars need to be set deep and a lot of properties do not have the bars fitted correctly so the thieves can remove the bars quite easily.   

[quackers]

Neighbours over the road have had a metal cage constructed around theır upstaırs balconies. They dont sıt on the  balconies and no one can get ın so they can leave the bedroom wındow/door open when sleepıng.

[Old Nick]

I always feel caged in with bars.  What happens if there is a fire and the window of the room you are locked in is the only escape route?

[Rimms]

Take your point nick but unlike the UK, all of our rooms both upstairs and down have door access onto a balcony so window bars are not a hindrance to exit in the event of an emergency. Before we lived here, we were struck on the thought of those neat white shutters until we realised that anyone staying as a guest wouldn't go around every door and window to pull down and lock shutters every time they went out.

[Jacqui Harvey]

We also have bars on the windows in all rooms, but all room have french windows (with bars) so no problem getting out. 

[Cavfan]

Thank you, the annoying thing is we got rid of the original ironwork and nets as they didn't fit once the upvc was installed!