Are you looking to make your home safer without compromising on style or comfort? Understanding Secured by Design windows could be the key to protecting what matters most to you.
Every 106 seconds, a burglary takes place somewhere in England and Wales. Windows remain one of the most targeted entry points for opportunist intruders, yet the vast majority of homeowners still fit standard glazing with little thought for security rating. This guide explains exactly what Secured by Design windows are, how they perform in real-world conditions, and how to verify you’re buying the genuine article, based on UK police-backed security standards, certification frameworks, and real burglary data.
At a glance
Quick Summary: Secured by Design Windows
- Police-backed certification for enhanced home security
- Requires PAS 24:2022 compliance
- Can reduce burglary risk by up to 75%
- May lower home insurance premiums by 5-15%
- Typically costs 10-15% more than standard windows
If you’re still weighing up your options at the research stage, our full guide to double glazing costs in the UK breaks down real installation pricing, hidden costs, and how to compare quotes properly.
What does “Secured by Design” actually mean?
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official UK police initiative managed by ACPO CPI Ltd, operating with the full endorsement of the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Rather than a marketing badge, it represents a formal certification framework. Every product carrying the SBD mark has been independently tested and verified against nationally recognised standards.
For windows specifically, the SBD scheme requires compliance with PAS 24:2022, the enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Products must also meet the requirements of BS 7950, the British Standard for enhanced security performance for casement and tilt-and-turn windows.
According to Secured by Design, homes built to SBD standards experience up to 75% fewer burglaries compared to non-SBD properties. That figure, drawn from independent police research across multiple force areas, is arguably the most compelling statistic in the UK home security landscape.
The burglary threat in numbers: why your windows matter
Before investing in upgraded glazing, it helps to understand the scale of the problem and precisely where it enters your home.
According to the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales, there were approximately 327,000 domestic burglaries recorded in the year ending December 2025. That equates to hundreds of break-ins every day across England and Wales. The Crime Survey itself, which captures offences not reported to police, estimates the true figure is significantly higher.
Critically for window buyers, the ONS data and supplementary police force analysis consistently point to glazing as a primary vulnerability:
- Around 30% of burglaries involve entry through a window, making it the second most common entry point after doors.
- Ground floor windows account for the overwhelming majority of window-based entries.
- The most common methods recorded are smashing glass and manipulating weak or worn locking mechanisms.
- Over 60% of burglaries are opportunistic. Intruders look for the easiest target on the street, meaning visible deterrents genuinely change criminal behaviour.
The implication is straightforward: most burglaries succeed not because of sophisticated tools, but because of weak entry points.
For related advice on sliding and French doors, another frequently targeted entry point, see our guide to patio door security and how to burglar-proof your home.
The PAS 24 testing process explained
PAS 24 is the technical bedrock of SBD window certification. Published by the British Standards Institution, it sets out enhanced security performance requirements that go substantially beyond the basic Document Q building regulations standard required for new builds.
A window submitted for PAS 24 testing must survive a rigorous series of physical attacks conducted by accredited test laboratories. These include:
1. Soft body impact test
A 50kg bag is swung repeatedly into the glazed unit to simulate a shoulder charge or kick.
2. Hard body impact test
A steel ball is dropped onto the glass from prescribed heights, testing resistance to focused-point impact.
3. Manual attack test
Trained assessors attempt to force entry using a defined toolkit: crowbars, hammers, chisels, and wedges. The window must resist sustained attack for a minimum period.
4. Lock manipulation test
The locking mechanism is subjected to picking, gripping, and lever-forcing attempts. Multi-point locks must resist engagement from outside.
5. Frame distortion test
Pressure is applied to check whether the frame can be racked or deformed sufficiently to disengage locks.
Only windows that pass every stage receive PAS 24 certification, and only PAS 24-certified windows are eligible for the SBD mark. The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) provides detailed industry guidance on compliance.
Key safety features of Secured by Design windows
Each component of an SBD-certified window is engineered to address a specific attack method.
Enhanced multi-point locking systems: Rather than a single central latch, SBD windows engage at multiple points along the frame simultaneously. This distributes resistance force across the entire perimeter, preventing the pry-and-pop attack that defeats single-point locks in seconds.
Impact-resistant glass: Certified windows typically use laminated glass, which holds together under impact due to a PVB interlayer bonded between glass panes. For a detailed comparison of your glazing options, see our dedicated guide on toughened vs laminated glass, which is safer.
Reinforced frames: Frames on SBD windows use heavy-gauge steel or aluminium reinforcement within the PVC or timber profile, resisting the bending and twisting that allows standard frames to be levered away from the wall.
Anti-lift and anti-jemmy mechanisms: Dedicated pins and keeps prevent the sash from being lifted out of the frame, closing the exploit used in a significant proportion of ground-floor window burglaries.
Hinge protection: Exposed hinges on standard windows can be attacked directly with a crowbar. SBD-certified designs incorporate hinge protectors that prevent this entirely.
Insurance benefits: what discounts can you actually expect?
Fitting SBD-certified windows has a tangible, documented impact on home insurance costs. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirms that security upgrades, including certified glazing, are among the most effective steps homeowners can take to reduce their premium.
In practice, the discount varies by insurer and property profile, but industry benchmarks consistently indicate:
- 5-15% reduction in home insurance premiums for properties with SBD-certified windows and doors.
- Some insurers specifically list SBD certification as a qualifying criterion for their enhanced security discount tier.
- Properties in higher-risk postcode areas, where the base premium is already elevated, typically see the largest absolute savings.
- Combined installation of SBD windows and SBD-certified doors can push total premium reductions toward the upper end of this range.
It is worth contacting your insurer directly before purchase and asking whether they recognise SBD certification and what discount applies to your specific policy. Get the answer in writing. Consumer advice site Which? also notes that beyond premium discounts, SBD windows may reduce your policy excess or improve the terms under which a claim is assessed.
The cost premium: is it worth paying?
SBD-certified windows typically carry a 10-15% cost premium over equivalent non-certified units. On a typical mid-terrace requiring six to eight windows, this translates to an additional £300-£700 on a standard double glazing installation.
Set against this:
- Insurance savings of 5-15% per annum begin recouping the premium from year one. On an average UK home insurance policy of around £340 per year, a 10% discount returns £34 annually.
- Property value uplift. Estate agents consistently note that documented security certifications add appeal in competitive markets.
- Replacement cost avoidance. SBD frames and glass are substantially more durable than standard equivalents, reducing the likelihood of replacement within a 15-20 year horizon.
For finance options and cost-saving strategies on window upgrades, MoneySavingExpert maintains updated guidance on home improvement financing worth reviewing before committing to a full installation.
If you’re planning a full upgrade, comparing certified installers is essential. Not all quotes include PAS 24-compliant products by default.
SBD-certified window manufacturers: who to look for
A growing number of UK manufacturers hold active SBD licensing. Notable names in the certified window market include:
- Rehau: UPVC profile systems widely used across new-build and retrofit installations
- Deceuninck: major UPVC profile supplier with certified product ranges
- Aluplast: German-engineered UPVC systems with UK-distributed certified ranges
- Kommerling: UPVC profiles popular in both residential and light commercial sectors
- Smart Architectural Aluminium: for aluminium-framed certified windows
- Schuco: premium aluminium systems with SBD-compliant products
- Rationel: Danish manufacturer with a UK-distributed certified timber-aluminium range
This list is not exhaustive. The definitive source is the Secured by Design product database, which is searchable by product category, manufacturer, and certification status. Always cross-reference here before purchase.
How to verify SBD certification: the online checker
One of the most important practical steps any buyer can take is independent verification of a product’s SBD status before contracts are signed. Unfortunately, the SBD logo has been misappropriated by some suppliers, and there is no substitute for checking the official register.
- Visit www.securedbydesign.com
- Navigate to the “Find a Product” section
- Search by manufacturer name, product range, or product type
- Confirm the listing shows active certification, not an expired or suspended entry
Additionally, your installer should be able to provide the specific product approval certificate for the units being supplied. For installation certification, ensure your fitter is registered with either FENSA or Certass, both competent person schemes that allow installers to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations.
Real-world evidence: does SBD actually work?
Beyond laboratory testing, the evidence from operational policing is persuasive.
A frequently cited study from West Yorkshire Police, monitoring new-build housing developments across Leeds and Bradford, found that SBD-certified estates recorded burglary rates approximately 75% lower than comparable non-SBD estates over a five-year period.
Thames Valley Police have published case study data showing that in residential developments where SBD was applied holistically, including windows, doors, and perimeter design, there were extended periods of zero recorded domestic burglaries across hundreds of properties.
The Home Office’s own research into crime prevention through environmental design consistently identifies certified window and door products as among the highest-evidenced individual interventions available to homeowners.
Installation tips for maximum security
Professional fitting is non-negotiable. The mechanical integrity of multi-point locking depends on precise frame alignment and correct keep placement. Use a FENSA or Certass-registered installer and confirm they have experience fitting SBD-certified products specifically.
Check the whole system. Certification applies to the complete window unit as tested. Substituting alternative glass, handles, or locking hardware post-installation can void the certification. Insist that only approved components are used.
Complement with child safety features. Anti-lift mechanisms and restrictors serve a dual purpose. For guidance on balancing security with child safety requirements, our guide to child safety window locks for UK homes covers current best practice in detail.
Maintain regularly. Lubricate locking mechanisms every 12 months. Inspect keeps and hinges for wear. The most common reason certified windows fail to perform as tested in real-world burglaries is neglected maintenance rather than any flaw in the original design.
Other certifications to look for
- PAS 24:2022: the current enhanced security standard. Any window sold as “enhanced security” without this certification is making an unsubstantiated claim.
- BS 7950: the original British Standard for enhanced casement and tilt-and-turn window security.
- LPCB Loss Prevention Standard: used for high-risk commercial applications but increasingly seen in premium residential products.
- Document Q compliance: the minimum standard required for new-build windows under UK Building Regulations. SBD exceeds this, but Document Q compliance is the baseline for any legitimate new installation.
If you’re upgrading windows primarily for security, always confirm that the quote explicitly includes PAS 24-certified units. Many standard quotes do not.
Final Breakdown
Secured by Design windows represent one of the most evidence-backed home security investments available to UK homeowners. With ONS data confirming windows as a primary burglary entry point, police research demonstrating up to 75% fewer break-ins in SBD-certified properties, and insurer discounts of 5-15% partially offsetting the 10-15% cost premium, the financial and safety case is well established.
The key steps are straightforward: verify certification through the official SBD product database, use a FENSA or Certass-registered installer, confirm PAS 24:2022 compliance on the specific units being supplied, and notify your insurer before and after installation to secure any applicable premium reduction.
Your windows are not just a view. They are one of the most important security barriers in your home. Make sure yours measures up.
Sources: Secured by Design · ONS — Overview of Burglary · ABI — Cutting the Cost of Home Insurance · Glass and Glazing Federation · FENSA · Certass · Which? — How to Protect Your Home · MoneySavingExpert — Home Insurance · BS 7950 · PAS 24:2022