Forcing Entry in Homes Equipped with High-Security Devices

From Fox Locks to hurricane shutters, how to conquer the newest “safety” devices installed by homeowners
Published Wednesday, February 1, 2012
These photos demonstrate some of the high-security devices currently employed by homeowners in suburban settings and examine strategies for how firefighters can overcome them. Photos Lance C. Peeples unless otherwise noted.

  • Hurricane shutters are increasingly used to prevent burglary.
  • A rotary saw with an aluminum oxide blade will make quick work of hurricane shutters. It’s also possible to attack the lag bolts that fasten the rails to the window frame with the adz of a Halligan tool.
  • Hurricane glass is laminated with plastic to resist blunt force. Use chopping motions from an axe or Halligan adz to cut the window. Alternatively, attack the frame.
  • Window bars can be removed by attacking the lag bolts with the adz of a Halligan or striking the horizontal crosspieces with a maul in an attempt to pull the bars from the frame. Call for a circular saw and extra help early.
  • HUD windows are secured by 2 x 4 strongbacks on the inside and out. The strongbacks are connected together by long carriage bolts. Use the pick of a Halligan to split the wood around the bolt and then cut the bolt with bolt cutters. Alternatively, use a metal saw to attack the bolt heads directly or a chainsaw to attack the strongbacks.
  • Interior view of HUD window. A plunge cut with a 24" chainsaw blade will cut the strongbacks and release the window. Note the syringe on the window sill. Buildings that appear vacant may house squatters. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • Door gates can often be forced conventionally. Attack the padlock with the pick of a Halligan placed in the shackle of the lock and struck with a flat head axe. Alternatively, use the saw to cut the locks or the horizontal cross piece near the locking mechanism. This will allow for conventional forcible entry with the Halligan tool.
  • Lightweight security doors can usually be forced conventionally using the adz of a Halligan and a flat head axe. If you encounter problems, use the saw to cut the crosspiece near the lock, thus allowing the door to flex, or expose the bolt by gapping the door with a Halligan adz and then cut the bolt with the saw.
  • Exterior view of a Fox Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Interior view of a Fox “Double Bar” Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Electromagnetic locks can usually be defeated with conventional forcible entry. Apply force near the locking mechanism. Attempt to have someone “buzz” you in if possible.
  • Vacant Protection Systems (VPS) are secured to a window frame via a system of cables attached to a metal grate that is then pulled tight against a metal strongback located across the interior of the window or door frame. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • You must review VPS early. Special-call additional ladder companies to remove the VPS and work from a tower ladder bucket if possible. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • Hurricane shutters are increasingly used to prevent burglary.
  • A rotary saw with an aluminum oxide blade will make quick work of hurricane shutters. It’s also possible to attack the lag bolts that fasten the rails to the window frame with the adz of a Halligan tool.
  • Hurricane glass is laminated with plastic to resist blunt force. Use chopping motions from an axe or Halligan adz to cut the window. Alternatively, attack the frame.
  • Window bars can be removed by attacking the lag bolts with the adz of a Halligan or striking the horizontal crosspieces with a maul in an attempt to pull the bars from the frame. Call for a circular saw and extra help early.
  • HUD windows are secured by 2 x 4 strongbacks on the inside and out. The strongbacks are connected together by long carriage bolts. Use the pick of a Halligan to split the wood around the bolt and then cut the bolt with bolt cutters. Alternatively, use a metal saw to attack the bolt heads directly or a chainsaw to attack the strongbacks.
  • Interior view of HUD window. A plunge cut with a 24" chainsaw blade will cut the strongbacks and release the window. Note the syringe on the window sill. Buildings that appear vacant may house squatters. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • Door gates can often be forced conventionally. Attack the padlock with the pick of a Halligan placed in the shackle of the lock and struck with a flat head axe. Alternatively, use the saw to cut the locks or the horizontal cross piece near the locking mechanism. This will allow for conventional forcible entry with the Halligan tool.
  • Lightweight security doors can usually be forced conventionally using the adz of a Halligan and a flat head axe. If you encounter problems, use the saw to cut the crosspiece near the lock, thus allowing the door to flex, or expose the bolt by gapping the door with a Halligan adz and then cut the bolt with the saw.
  • Exterior view of a Fox Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Interior view of a Fox “Double Bar” Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Electromagnetic locks can usually be defeated with conventional forcible entry. Apply force near the locking mechanism. Attempt to have someone “buzz” you in if possible.
  • Vacant Protection Systems (VPS) are secured to a window frame via a system of cables attached to a metal grate that is then pulled tight against a metal strongback located across the interior of the window or door frame. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • You must review VPS early. Special-call additional ladder companies to remove the VPS and work from a tower ladder bucket if possible. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • Hurricane shutters are increasingly used to prevent burglary.
  • A rotary saw with an aluminum oxide blade will make quick work of hurricane shutters. It’s also possible to attack the lag bolts that fasten the rails to the window frame with the adz of a Halligan tool.
  • Hurricane glass is laminated with plastic to resist blunt force. Use chopping motions from an axe or Halligan adz to cut the window. Alternatively, attack the frame.
  • Window bars can be removed by attacking the lag bolts with the adz of a Halligan or striking the horizontal crosspieces with a maul in an attempt to pull the bars from the frame. Call for a circular saw and extra help early.
  • HUD windows are secured by 2 x 4 strongbacks on the inside and out. The strongbacks are connected together by long carriage bolts. Use the pick of a Halligan to split the wood around the bolt and then cut the bolt with bolt cutters. Alternatively, use a metal saw to attack the bolt heads directly or a chainsaw to attack the strongbacks.
  • Interior view of HUD window. A plunge cut with a 24" chainsaw blade will cut the strongbacks and release the window. Note the syringe on the window sill. Buildings that appear vacant may house squatters. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • Door gates can often be forced conventionally. Attack the padlock with the pick of a Halligan placed in the shackle of the lock and struck with a flat head axe. Alternatively, use the saw to cut the locks or the horizontal cross piece near the locking mechanism. This will allow for conventional forcible entry with the Halligan tool.
  • Lightweight security doors can usually be forced conventionally using the adz of a Halligan and a flat head axe. If you encounter problems, use the saw to cut the crosspiece near the lock, thus allowing the door to flex, or expose the bolt by gapping the door with a Halligan adz and then cut the bolt with the saw.
  • Exterior view of a Fox Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Interior view of a Fox “Double Bar” Lock. Photo Jason Brezler
  • Electromagnetic locks can usually be defeated with conventional forcible entry. Apply force near the locking mechanism. Attempt to have someone “buzz” you in if possible.
  • Vacant Protection Systems (VPS) are secured to a window frame via a system of cables attached to a metal grate that is then pulled tight against a metal strongback located across the interior of the window or door frame. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
  • You must review VPS early. Special-call additional ladder companies to remove the VPS and work from a tower ladder bucket if possible. Photo courtesy Gabriel Angemi
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Forcing Entry in Homes Equipped with High-Security Devices

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