Burglary remains one of the most common property crimes in the U.S. According to FBI crime data, hundreds of thousands of homes are broken into each year—many through windows, especially on the ground floor.

Adding grills to your windows creates a physical barrier that discourages break-ins. They’re especially beneficial if:

• • You live on the first floor or in a basement apartment

• • You keep valuables, such as art, electronics, or heirlooms, near windows
  • You’ve experienced or heard of break-ins in your neighborhood
  • You live alone, especially as a woman, senior, or young professional

One safety blogger, known as SafeandSolo, shared her experience as a single woman living alone. She noted that window grills offered not just added protection, but also emotional reassurance—a comfort that allowed her to sleep more soundly at night.

Why Some Window Grills Have That “Potbelly” Shape

Not all window grills are flat or rigid. Many homeowners are drawn to the more artistic and rounded styles known as curved or “potbellied” window grills.

Here’s why people love them:

• • Aesthetic Appeal: The outward curve adds a softer, more decorative element to the home’s façade.
  • Planter Boxes: The curve provides space for flower boxes, allowing you to add color and personality to your windows.
  • Functionality: The extra space makes room for a window air conditioner or fan—a practical solution for homes without central air.

• Architectural Depth: Potbellied grills add dimension to flat exteriors, breaking up the monotony of basic rectangular designs.

They offer a beautiful compromise between safety and charm, especially in historic neighborhoods or older homes with character.

What the Criminals Say: A Candid Perspective

Need more convincing? In a striking investigation, KTVB7 sent letters to 86 convicted burglars at the Oregon Department of Corrections, asking them how they chose which homes to target—and what might have stopped them.