Written By: Brad Campbell | May 13, 2025
Retail businesses are frequent targets for forced entry, smash-and-grab theft, vandalism, and, during civil unrest, rioting and looting, making strong storefront security measures essential.
Standard storefront glass offers little resistance to determined criminals, who can shatter it in seconds to gain access. That’s why upgrading to a high-performance retail security glass system is one of the most effective ways to protect merchandise, deter break-ins, and prevent costly property damage.
Riot Glass provides a range of advanced security glazing solutions designed specifically for retail storefronts. From laminated security glass to polycarbonate glazing shields, these systems reinforce vulnerable entry points without altering the appearance of your business.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Riot Glass systems available, how they work to stop forced entry, and how retailers can choose the right level of protection for their needs.
Retail businesses face an increasing number of security threats, with smash-and-grab thefts becoming more frequent and brazen.
Criminals target storefronts with standard glass because they know it can be shattered in seconds, allowing them to grab high-value merchandise and flee before law enforcement can respond. In many cases, these thefts occur in broad daylight, with organized groups using coordinated tactics to overwhelm security measures.
Whatever the mode of forced entry and retail theft, this type of crime not only results in financial losses from stolen goods, but also causes significant property damage, leading to costly, time-consuming repairs and business disruptions.
Without proper security glass in place, retail stores are also at high risk for repeat break-ins. Criminals tend to return to locations that have already been successfully targeted, especially if no additional security measures have been implemented.
Once a storefront is identified as an easy target, it can suffer multiple break-ins over a short period, increasing repair costs, insurance claims, and potential loss of customers who feel unsafe shopping at the location. The financial strain of repeated incidents can be devastating, particularly for relatively small or independent retailers.
Installing a high-performance retail security glass system helps mitigate these threats by creating a formidable barrier against forced entry.
Unlike standard tempered storefront glass, Riot Glass security glazing is designed to withstand repeated impacts from hammers, crowbars, and other burglary tools, making it significantly harder for criminals to gain entry. In many cases, the added resistance is enough to deter an attack altogether, as thieves look for easier targets.
Proactively reinforcing storefronts with security glass allows retailers to protect their businesses, employees, and customers while avoiding the costly cycle of break-ins and repairs.
Riot Glass offers a comprehensive range of retail security glazing solutions for retailers of all shapes and sizes. From entry-level forced entry-resistant storefront glazing to bullet-resistant varieties, there are options to suit all budgets and security goals.
Additionally, most Riot Glass solutions are retrofittable, meaning they can be installed right on top of existing storefront glass, creating a virtually unbreakable barrier over storefront windows and doors without the need to remove and replace them.
All Riot Glass retail security glass systems are forced entry resistant, with the most popular choice for retailers being AP-Series 25. This is our flagship product and a great entry-level solution for securing storefronts and other commercial properties against forced entry.
Made from specific formulations of polycarbonate plastics, AP25 provides virtually unbreakable glass protection — attempts to break through storefront windows secured with the AP-Series will bounce right off. Even when attackers use heavy tools like crowbars, sledgehammers, or bats, AP25 remains intact, preventing quick access to valuable merchandise.
Unlike traditional tempered glass, which shatters on impact, AP25 absorbs and disperses force, keeping the storefront secure and minimizing damage. This level of protection not only deters criminals but also ensures that business owners aren’t left dealing with the costly aftermath of shattered windows and stolen goods.
Beyond its strength, AP25 is an ideal choice for retailers because it maintains the appearance and clarity of standard glass while offering superior protection. This allows businesses to reinforce their storefronts without sacrificing visibility or aesthetic appeal.
Whether protecting a high-end jewelry store, a boutique, or an electronics retailer, AP25 provides a cost-effective way to safeguard against break-ins, smash-and-grab theft, and repeated attacks, helping store owners maintain business continuity and ensuring their peace of mind.
For retailers in high-risk areas or industries, or those who have suffered repeat smash-and-grabs or burglaries, an even higher level of storefront security may be desired. This is where bullet-resistant retail security glass systems come in.
Riot Glass offers different types of bullet-resistant security glazing, including ballistic-grade polycarbonate, glass-clad polycarbonate, and laminated security glass models. All of these varieties are fully forced entry resistant, but offer different levels of ballistic protection, depending on the specific composition of the chosen product.
No matter the choice, these advanced glazing solutions act as a powerful deterrent to even the most violent forced entry attempts or armed robberies, making it nearly impossible for criminals to breach a storefront and giving business owners confidence that their assets and people are well-protected.
Incorporating bullet-resistant glass into a storefront helps business owners create a safer environment for employees and customers alike, while significantly reducing the risk of both armed and non-armed break-ins.
Retailers face constant security threats, from smash-and-grab thefts to repeat break-ins that can lead to devastating financial losses. Investing in high-performance security glazing is one of the most effective ways to protect a storefront and prevent criminals from gaining easy access.
Riot Glass offers a full range of retail security glass solutions, from forced entry-resistant polycarbonate glazing to bullet-resistant options for higher-risk environments. These systems provide unmatched protection without compromising visibility, allowing businesses to maintain a welcoming storefront while reinforcing their most vulnerable entry points.
Upgrading to Riot Glass security glazing today can help retailers avoid costly repairs, insurance claims, and lost business due to crime-related disruptions. Contact us now to get started!
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