Re: $700 versus $25
A 36" pipe wrench is all that's needed. Lots of leverage there, and the steel teeth of the wrench actually cut into the bars, producing a shear point. Can get into most (all?) standard burglar bars in a couple seconds. The noise made on separation is kinda high, though. The 48" model was easier, but a trifle less wieldy. (As tested at Alan Steel & Supply, Redwood City California in about 1990, to settle a bar bet.)
If you want more tech & less brute force, battery powered hydraulic bolt cutters can be had for under $200 on the used market. Mine cuts #6 (0.75 inch) rebar in just under 8 seconds. About 50 cuts on a charge. The noise of separation is surprisingly low.
If you have access to a firefighter's tool set, they have a tool similar to a Morgan knocker that can take out the bars in a couple seconds. Would be easy to make in a garage workshop, using common handyman's tools. Makes a hell of a racket.
Burglar bars, like locks, are only there to stop a casual thief, or a crime of convenience. If someone wants to break into (almost) any given building, typically there is literally nothing stopping them if they are determined enough.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
