Written By: Brad Campbell | October 18, 2024
Organized retail theft costs retailers billions of dollars every year. As a store owner, implementing a comprehensive retail store security system that protects against various threats, including forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, and rioting and looting, is absolutely essential in today’s high-risk retail environment.
While it’s important to install a variety of traditional security components, like cameras and alarms, that work together in order to safeguard your store and deter theft, one vital element is often overlooked: retrofit security glazing.
This article will guide you through some of the most effective ways to upgrade your retail store’s security system, with a special emphasis on reinforcing your storefront doors and windows with retrofittable, forced entry-resistant security glazing that actually prevents theft.
In today's retail environment, thieves are becoming increasingly bold and sophisticated in their techniques. Smash-and-grab thefts and burglaries are no longer limited to the cover of darkness. More than ever, criminals are executing these crimes in broad daylight and in front of witnesses.
This growing trend of daylight robberies highlights the audacity of modern thieves, who often target high-end stores, using tools like sledgehammers and crowbars to quickly break through traditional glass storefronts and display cases to make off with thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of dollars worth of valuable merchandise.
Not only that, but some of the civil unrest in recent years has shown how quickly peaceful demonstrations can spiral into violent rioting and looting. These events can lead to devastating damage and significant financial losses for retailers, especially those unprepared for such chaos.
The unpredictable nature of these threats underscores the need for retailers to strengthen their security systems to protect against both organized criminal activity and unexpected mass unrest.
Recent instances of brazen daytime smash-and-grab thefts and civil unrest have shown just how vulnerable traditional storefront windows and doors are to forced entry, making impact-resistant security glazing a critical aspect of any modern retail store security system.
Containment-grade, polycarbonate-based security glazing, like ArmorPlast® AP25, is virtually unbreakable, offering retail stores a powerful deterrent against forced entry attempts. In fact, calling it a deterrent is really an understatement — AP25 is strong enough to resist even the most determined forced entry attempts. Simply put, it keeps the bad guys out!
Plus, this specialized security glazing is nearly invisible and doesn’t reduce natural light transmission or hinder visibility, making it ideal for luxury storefronts where maintaining a certain appearance is key to attracting customers.
A retail access control system is essential for keeping entrances secure and managing who enters key areas of your store.
From locking exterior entryway doors after business hours to limiting who can get into restricted areas like stockrooms, access control helps prevent unauthorized access and theft.
While security cameras won’t physically stop a theft, they can serve as a deterrent and provide valuable evidence to aid in recovery of merchandise and prosecution in case of an incident. They can also be monitored after business hours to catch would-be intruders red handed.
For maximum effectiveness, install cameras at key locations, paying special attention to entrances and exterior areas, like parking lots. Ensure your retail surveillance system allows remote monitoring, so you can keep an eye on your store from anywhere!
An audible and monitored alarm system is another crucial component of any comprehensive retail store security system. This system should detect and alert you to any tampering with doors or windows.
Make sure to choose a system that immediately notifies the security company or authorities during a break-in attempt for a fast response from law enforcement.
Proper exterior security lighting makes your store less attractive to criminals who prefer using the cover of darkness to hide their forced entry attempts.
Focus on illuminating entryways, walkways, parking lots, alleys, and any other areas around the building where intruders may attempt to gain access.
Combining always-on lighting with motion-sensing lights adds an extra layer of security, making it easier for police or passersby to spot suspicious activity.
Believe it or not, preventing smash-and-grab theft starts with smart interior design.
Keep the most expensive merchandise away from exterior windows, placing it towards the center of your store. This not only deters theft, but also makes it harder for thieves to escape quickly if they do attempt a robbery.
Small, expensive luxury goods, like electronics and jewelry, should also be locked inside forced entry-resistant display cases.
Like your storefront doors and windows, display cases can also be reinforced with anti-theft security glazing — a smash-and-grab attempt using a hammer or any other common burglary tool will bounce right off of display cases protected by ArmorPlast AP25!
A truly robust retail store security system incorporates multiple layers of protection, from classic deterrents to unbreakable barriers against forced entry.
While traditional measures like cameras, alarms, and lighting are essential, they don’t physically stop intruders. That’s why integrating retrofit security glazing into your system is so important — it creates an invisible yet nearly indestructible barrier, ensuring your store remains secure around the clock.
Want to learn more about securing your retail store with ArmorPlast? Contact Riot Glass today for a free consultation!
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