Durham Regional Police are investigating an attempted break-and-enter in Pickering. Without specifics on the entry method, the most common forced-entry vectors in the region involve either glass (basement windows, sliding patio doors, sidelights) or doors (front entries, rear patio doors). Both vectors are frequent in Pickering's mix of older suburban homes and newer developments. Attempted break-ins often target properties perceived as unoccupied or with weak perimeter security. Security window film resists forced entry through glass by holding shattered pieces together, eliminating the hand-through reach that makes windows attractive targets. Door fortification—strike-plate reinforcement, frame anchoring, and hinge bracing—hardens existing doors against kick-in and pry attempts. Layered defence combining both glass and door hardening is most effective because intruders typically probe multiple entry points before committing to one. The goal of physical security is not to make entry impossible, but to add delay: time for occupants to wake, alarms to sound, neighbours to notice, or police to arrive.
How Pickering typically gets hit.
For a Pickering home with patio glass or a rear walkout, inspect access from the yard and the condition of the existing assemblies. Lake-facing windows may have different glass or coatings from other windows in the same home; their orientation alone does not establish film compatibility. For your Pickering property, ask us to review the patio doors, front entry and reachable rear glass. We check the existing assemblies and access before recommending security film or ARX Guard door fortification. Book a free on-site assessment for a written quote.
- 01Check all basement windows and sliding patio doors for secure locks and visible damage; these are frequent targets in attempted break-ins.
- 02Inspect your front and rear door frames for gaps, and ensure deadbolts extend fully into the frame—weak strike plates invite forced entry.
- 03Install motion-sensor lighting on dark sides of your home and trim bushes near windows and doors to eliminate hiding spots and improve sightlines.
Security Window Film
Security film is bonded to the interior face of existing glass. When the pane is struck, the film holds the shattered shards together, turning the typical 2-second smash-and-reach into a sustained forced-entry attempt against a glass surface that no longer separates. Optically clear, blocks more than 99% UV, compatible with tempered, laminated, single-pane and double-pane residential glass. Installed in a single day for most homes.
Door Fortification
The ARX Guard door fortification system reinforces the door assembly to make forced entry significantly harder. Components are selected based on the specific door and what the situation calls for. Compatible with smart locks, keypad locks, and traditional deadbolts.
- Security FilmWhich Windows Need Security Film? A Priority GuideChoose which windows to film first: glass beside locks, reachable lower panes and patio doors. Compare a targeted scope with broader coverage for your home.
- Security FilmXPEL vs Avery Dennison Security Film: 14 vs 15 MilCompare XPEL 14 mil with Avery Dennison SF Clear 15 Mil i: tensile strength, equal break-load figures, security tests and attachment for your home's glass.
Local Watch is editorial commentary by Clear Guard on publicly reported incidents. We do not assert any facts beyond what the cited source reports.