Hey everyone,

So here’s my current setup—I’ve got a two-story home with a front and back door. I’ve reinforced the strike plates, put in motion-detecting lights, and have doorbell cameras. I’ve also planted several thorny rose bushes in front of several of the windows but there remains a few windows where that’s not possible. Most concerningly, the back door has a window (Approximately 2’x2′ set in it where a would-be intruder could easily smash the window, unlock the door, and they’re in.

I’ve looked through some older posts on securing windows and had some questions on people’s experience with bars and security film. I know of window-break alarms but I’m loathe to pay a monthly subscription for a security service and prefer hardening the outside of the house to prevent or hamper entry in the first place.

So really, I suppose I have three primary questions:

1. Is there any other way to secure that back door with a window in it? Or is the best option to just replace it with a windowless door?
2. How effective is window security film? Does it deter burglars after the first several hits are ineffective or only slow down their inevitable entry?
3. What has been people’s experience with window security mesh screens? If you had the option of bars, would you still go for the security screen?

Thank y’all for your insight!