Written By: Brad Campbell | April 16, 2025
When you’re looking at ways to improve your retail security system, upgrading things like cameras and alarms to the latest technology might be at the top of your list.
However, while these measures are certainly important and are part of all the best retail security systems, they don’t physically keep criminals out.
In order to protect your store from forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, and other threats, it’s absolutely essential to take a multi-layered approach to its security.
What this means is working your way from the outside in, ensuring first and foremost that all your storefront’s vulnerable windows and doors are physically secured against forced entry.
Achieving the best retail security system starts by addressing its outermost vulnerabilities. In other words, its windows and doors.
Glass entryway doors and large storefront display windows are great for drawing customers in, but they’re also incredibly vulnerable to forced entry — and criminals know this.
Burglars or smash-and-grab thieves can make short work of storefront windows and doors, getting in and out with bags full of merchandise in just a few minutes, often making off with merchandise worth hundreds of thousands.
Even-tempered glass storefront windows, although certainly stronger than standard annealed glass, crumble when impacted by criminals who know what they’re doing.
In order to address the vulnerabilities of storefront doors and windows, the first step is to create a robust outer layer of protection over them, preventing the glass from shattering when someone attempts a break-in.
Roll-down security shutters are one of the most common outer layers of protection for retail storefronts. These physical barriers create a visual deterrent to forced entry while adding an extra layer of protection over windows and doors, covering them against impacts.
That being said, security shutters are mainly intended to provide after-hours or emergency business protection, so it’s highly recommended to use them together with forced entry-resistant security glazing, such as Riot Glass or ArmorPlast. These solutions provide always-there protection against the types of brazen daytime smash-and-grabs or flash robberies that are becoming all too common.
For retailers seeking entry-level protection, ArmorPlast AP25 is a cost-effective glass protection option that offers excellent resistance to common forced-entry tools like hammers and crowbars.
For higher-risk locations or stores carrying high-value items that are frequently targeted by thieves, bullet-resistant glazing is an option that adds unmatched protection against even the most severe threats.
These glazing solutions can often be retrofitted into existing doors and windows with no need to remove and replace the existing glass, minimizing disruption to your business operations and saving on installation costs while ensuring you have the best retail security system in place.
With your storefront secured, it’s time to move inwards and look at ways to secure the interior of your store against retail theft.
Inside your store, additional measures should focus on controlling access to sensitive areas and protecting the most valuable merchandise.
Secure display cases with reinforced glass and tamper-proof locks can keep your most expensive items out of reach while still allowing potential buyers to see them and providing easy access to authorized employees.
Additionally, doors to inventory rooms where excess merchandise is stored should be equipped with access control systems, such as keycard or biometric locks, to ensure only authorized personnel can enter.
Once your physical security measures are in place, modern technology can provide the final layer of protection to create a truly comprehensive, best-of-the-best retail security system.
High-quality alarm systems with motion detectors and glass-break sensors can alert you to break-in attempts and unauthorized access, while surveillance cameras strategically placed throughout the store offer both deterrence and evidence collection.
For added safety, discreetly installed panic buttons give employees the ability to silently alert law enforcement in emergencies.
Emerging technologies like AI-integrated systems take things a step further by analyzing behavior patterns to detect loitering or suspicious activity, alerting staff to potential issues before they escalate.
Riot Glass products have a proven track record of thwarting retail theft and protecting storefronts in a wide range of scenarios, from smash-and-grabs to riots, helping retailers avoid the devastating costs associated with such incidents.
Upgrading existing windows and doors with Riot Glass or ArmorPlast panels is guaranteed to make any store significantly more resistant to forced entry attempts while perfectly complementing other security measures.
It’s important to keep in mind that while Riot Glass anti-theft windows and doors are an essential component of all the best retail security systems, they’re most effective when paired with other measures. Taking a multi-layered approach creates a comprehensive retail security system that addresses all vulnerabilities.
Whether you’re looking to secure your retail store after recurring incidents of property damage and theft or you simply want to proactively strengthen your security, there’s no time like now to take the first step.
By taking these steps to strengthen your security, you’re not only safeguarding your inventory and property but also providing a sense of security for your employees and customers and protecting your brand’s reputation.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — start building your best retail security system today!
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