Haha,
- Obvious, but worth stating: Don't forget about the need for emergency egress when you're mulling this over. Gates/bars usually have a double-cylinder lock (need a key for both sides) since a would-be burglar can reach through and just flip the latch if it doesn't require a key. That means you'll be effectively locking yourself in the cage when you remove the key. Well made (and legal) window and door gates usually have hardware that allows for exit in a fire. Regardless, they'll be int he way when you want to use that door.
- I'd vote for the simple bin or dowel-in-the-track and a window sticker advertising an alarm system. A sturdy pin that goes into a pre-drilled hole in the track and the door not only keeps the door from being lifted out, it also prevents a burglar from using the weight of the door to close and then repeatedly slam it against the stop. Spending $1000 to super-secure the door with a gate or shutters when a wannabe burglar can reach a nearby window with use of a collapsible stepladder seems of little value. Spend the money instead on a simple wireless burglar alarm and you'll probably be more secure.
- Obvious, but worth stating: Don't forget about the need for emergency egress when you're mulling this over. Gates/bars usually have a double-cylinder lock (need a key for both sides) since a would-be burglar can reach through and just flip the latch if it doesn't require a key. That means you'll be effectively locking yourself in the cage when you remove the key. Well made (and legal) window and door gates usually have hardware that allows for exit in a fire. Regardless, they'll be int he way when you want to use that door.
- I'd vote for the simple bin or dowel-in-the-track and a window sticker advertising an alarm system. A sturdy pin that goes into a pre-drilled hole in the track and the door not only keeps the door from being lifted out, it also prevents a burglar from using the weight of the door to close and then repeatedly slam it against the stop. Spending $1000 to super-secure the door with a gate or shutters when a wannabe burglar can reach a nearby window with use of a collapsible stepladder seems of little value. Spend the money instead on a simple wireless burglar alarm and you'll probably be more secure.