Short answer: a glass break detector warns of shocks and vibrations on a window or door. That way it picks up something a door/window contact misses: someone smashing the glass or forcing the frame without anything opening. It's mainly useful for large glazed areas, a sliding patio door and windows that can't be opened.
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What does a glass break detector do?
A glass break detector monitors the window or door itself, not whether it opens. Neroo's ShockSense detects shocks and vibrations at windows and doors. If there's a break-in attempt — the glass is smashed or someone puts a crowbar against the frame — you immediately get an alert via the alarm system and in the app.
That matters because prising open — forcing a door or window with a crowbar or screwdriver — is one of the burglary methods described by the Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (the Dutch police quality mark for secure housing). A glass break detector already triggers during that attempt, not only once the window is open.
Glass break detector or door/window contact?
| Door/window contact | Glass break detector | |
|---|---|---|
| Responds to | A door or window opening | Shocks and vibrations on the window or door |
| Strong for | Every door and window that can open | Large glass, sliding patio doors, fixed windows, glass doors |
| Misses | Glass being smashed without anything opening | A window that is simply opened because it wasn't locked |
So they complement each other. A door/window contact reports every door or window that opens, a glass break detector catches the attempt to force the glass or the frame. How to fit a door/window contact is explained in How does a magnetic door/window contact work?.
When do you need one?
A glass break detector pays off especially where there's a lot of glass that a burglar can reach from the ground: a sliding patio door or French doors at the back, a large fixed pane in the living room, a glass front door or the display window of a shop or business premises. You can also use it to monitor windows that can't be opened but still form a point of entry. The ShockSense is wireless, so you can install it without running cables.
When can you skip it?
Upper-floor windows that can't be reached from outside usually don't need a glass break detector. And a glass break detector doesn't replace a door/window contact: a window that's open or unlocked is simply opened without the glass vibrating. So start with door/window contacts on all doors and reachable windows, and add glass break detectors where there's a lot of glass.
So what is a glass break detector?
A glass break detector warns of shocks and vibrations on a window or door, so also when someone smashes the glass without opening anything; it's especially useful for large glazed areas, a sliding patio door and windows that can't be opened.
Our solution
Alarm system for your home
Wireless sensors you install yourself, alerts straight to your phone and no ongoing monthly fee.
View the options
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a glass break detector and a door/window contact?
A door/window contact reports that a door or window is opening. A glass break detector reports shocks and vibrations on the window or door, so also when the glass is smashed without anything opening.
Do I need a glass break detector for every window?
No. Start with door/window contacts on all doors and reachable windows, and put glass break detectors in places with a lot of glass, such as a sliding patio door or a large fixed pane.
Does a glass break detector also work on a door?
Yes. The ShockSense detects shocks and vibrations at both windows and doors.
Do I get a notification on my phone when the glass break detector goes off?
Yes. If there's a break-in attempt, you immediately get an alert via the Neroo alarm system and the accompanying app.
Is a glass break detector suitable for a shop or business premises?
Yes. Especially with display windows and glass fronts, where a lot of glass can be reached from the street, a glass break detector adds an extra layer.
Sources and references
- Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (Dutch police quality mark), Burglary methods (in Dutch) — consulted September 2026
- Politie (Dutch police), Tips to prevent home burglary (in Dutch) — consulted September 2026
- Neroo.nl, Product data ShockSense and LockSense Pro
