Many windows are double-paned. Just fill the gap with a transparent super-glue-like material, for high security areas.

The thief breaks a window and is coated with this super glue that causes them to stick on contact with just about anything (especially his own fingers). I guess that means it has to react with air, so excuse the epoxy title, which may not exactly fit.
-- lumpy, Jan 17 2003

or honey . . .
-- bristolz, Jan 17 2003


or a nice, thick custard!
-- Cedar Park, Jan 17 2003


Cyanoacrillate is the adhesive you're thinking of, [lumpy]. Epoxies tend to be fairly opaque, and aren't air-catalysed.

Since most cyanoacrillates in their liquid form have good optical properties this might be practical.
-- 8th of 7, Jan 17 2003


..and since most cyanoacrillates are also anaerobic it might not.
-- egbert, Jan 17 2003


[bristolz] the honey is a great idea for some rural areas. I can picture the thief being devoured by a passing bear.
-- rbl, Jan 22 2003


Or a nice chemical which turns bright blue in the presence of air....

Then again, you'll need to clean this crud off the windowsill. Perhaps it should react with the oil in human skin... or the fibers in clothing.
-- ye_river_xiv, Jun 28 2006


The reason the windows are double paned is for insulation. this will remove that insulative value. Sorry, bone.
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jun 28 2006


[GC] you're assuming that the adhesive is less insulating than a bubble of trapped air. i'm sure you could use an adhesive that insulated as well.
-- tcarson, Jun 28 2006


[tcarson] Air gaps are just about the best insulator out there. Solid or liquid stuff tends to transmit heat.
-- Galbinus_Caeli, Jun 28 2006



random, halfbakery