Did you know that windows and doors are the key barrier for over 95 % of domestic burglaries in England and Wales? The 2024 Crime Survey for England and Wales( CSEW) further illustrates that doors( 77 %) and windows( 18 %) act as the critical point of entry for criminals- a statistic that has not changed in the last decade. It is no surprise that homeowners demand enhanced security on window systems for their property.

Despite an 8 % drop in total burglary offences in the year ending March 2025( Office for National Statistics), burglary remains a significant threat to households, underlining the vital role that windows and doors play as the first line of defence in crime prevention. This enduring risk, alongside evolving insurance expectations and stronger national crime-prevention initiatives will only grow consumer demand for enhanced security, offering an opportunity for the fenestration sector to help lead the way.

Industry standards for safer homes

Independent testing standards, such as PAS 24, along with the Police-backed Secured by Design( SBD) scheme have become key industry benchmarks. For fabricators, the SBD scheme provides a valuable point of differentiation in the market. Systems that meet these criteria provide peace of mind for homeowners.

VEKA prioritises a high level of security through precise design and testing to achieve

PAS 24 standard. With research indicating that in properties where SBD standards are met, burglary incidents were 53 % lower than in properties not meeting these standards( College of Policing, July 2025), the design effectiveness is clear when it comes to crime prevention. Additionally, SBD-certified products can also result in lower insurance premiums and increased property value.

Pushing for innovation through collaboration

Collaboration across the industry plays an important role in raising security standards. For over 185 years, ERA has invested expertise in window and door security. Through recent collaboration with VEKA, a leader in window and door profiles, new solutions have been developed to support the innovative OMNIA system.

Such advancements build on VEKA’ s long-standing leadership in the field. VEKA was the first systems house to have a full range of triple glazed products accredited to PAS 24 and the first Secured by Design member to do so.

Securing consumer confidence

The key to consumer confidence in the security of modern fenestration products is to communicate the benefits and certifications clearly. From highlighting how accredited products help deter break-ins and align with insurance expectations to the integration with modern smart technologies like locks and sensors – the end-user benefits are numerous. Fabricators and installers build stronger customer confidence and in turn help to save consumers money through reduced insurance rates.

As the national conversation around home security evolves, windows and doors will remain central to protecting what matters most. By embracing rigorous standards, working in partnership with trusted component manufacturers and effectively sharing these benefits with end users, the industry can play a leading role in shaping safer homes nationwide.

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