Written By: Brad Campbell | January 11, 2023
Burglars are notorious for their ability to get past even the most seemingly secure windows, leading many business owners to wonder if it’s even possible to burglar-proof windows.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to prevent forced entry and burglary, you can significantly reduce the risks by retrofitting storefront windows with the right type of security glazing.
When most people think about “burglar-proof windows,” they imagine unsightly bars and grates, which many businesses and commercial properties don’t want to install. However, with modern forced-entry-grade security glazing, it’s possible to fortify your storefront windows against blows from hammers and other hand tools or objects without detracting from the curb appeal of your business.
The most reliable way to harden your windows against after-hours burglary, smash-and-grab theft, vandalism, and other threats is to retrofit them with polycarbonate-based security glazing — the industry’s leading material for impact resistance in real-world forced-entry scenarios.
Polycarbonate security glazing is fundamentally different from traditional glass. Instead of shattering on impact, polycarbonate flexes and absorbs massive force without breaking. It’s the same class of material used in high-security applications like detention centers, government facilities, and high-risk retail environments.
Key benefits of burglar-proofing windows with polycarbonate include:
Polycarbonate panels are engineered to withstand repeated blows from heavy tools without cracking or popping out of their frames. For burglars relying on speed, noise avoidance, and surprise, this level of resistance is usually enough to stop the attempt entirely. Even sustained, determined attacks fail to create an opening big enough for entry.
Polycarbonate is significantly lighter than glass while offering much greater strength. This makes it easier and more cost-effective to retrofit onto existing storefronts without major structural modifications (or even glass replacement).
Modern coated polycarbonate provides optical clarity comparable to standard glass while resisting yellowing, hazing, and scratching. You don’t have to sacrifice transparency, merchandising visibility, or natural light to secure your business.
Unlike bars or grates, forced-entry-grade polycarbonate looks like regular glass. Your storefront maintains its clean, open aesthetic — an important factor for retail stores and other businesses that rely on customer trust and brand perception.
If you’re looking for the strongest, most practical solution for protecting windows against forced entry, Riot Glass AP-Series AP25 is the ideal solution for most businesses.
AP25 is a containment-grade (non-ballistic), polycarbonate-based security glazing system designed for real-world burglary conditions — high-impact blows, prying, tool attacks, and attempts to break or pop the window out of its frame.
Here’s why AP25 is the preferred choice for retailers, property managers, and security-conscious businesses:
AP25 doesn’t crack like glass laminates. Burglars can swing, strike, and pry at it repeatedly without creating access. This disrupts their timeline, increases noise, and often forces them to abandon the attempt quickly.
While ballistic-grade glazing is certainly an option, especially for high-risk businesses, it’s not necessary if what you’re after is strictly burglar-proof windows. AP25 offers the same “virtually unbreakable” durability at a lower cost, and can even get riddled with bullets without significantly diminishing in strength.
One of AP25’s biggest advantages is its ability to retrofit over existing storefront glass, which dramatically lowers installation costs and avoids major business disruption.
Even the toughest glazing needs a secure framing system to reach its full forced-entry performance. That’s where the Riot Glass Universal Framing System (UFS) comes in.
Designed to work seamlessly with AP25, the UFS reinforces the entire window unit, stopping intruders from pushing, prying, bending, or kicking panels out of their frames.
Benefits of the Universal Framing System include:
The framing system is built to withstand the same types of attacks burglars use to defeat glass, including crowbars and other leverage tools.
The UFS mounts directly over your original windows, creating a long-lasting protective barrier without altering the look of the underlying architecture.
Despite its strength, the system maintains a sleek, unobtrusive appearance that blends into most storefront designs.
While polycarbonate glazing like AP25 makes it nearly impossible to gain entry through a forced entry or smash-and-grab attempt, no single solution eliminates all risks. A comprehensive security strategy should include multiple layers, such as:
However, upgrading your windows should be the first priority. More burglaries start with a broken window than any other point of entry, and AP25 effectively eliminates that vulnerability.
Across North America, businesses facing rising theft and more aggressive break-ins are turning to forced-entry-resistant security glazing for peace of mind. Some of the most notable benefits include:
A burglary doesn’t just cost you inventory. It can shut your business down for hours or days. AP25 helps prevent incidents entirely, not just minimize the damage.
Many insurance providers view polycarbonate retrofits as a meaningful risk reduction measure. While policies vary, businesses often see improved insurability or fewer claims over time.
Your storefront remains open, bright, and welcoming instead of looking fortified or “closed off.”
Polycarbonate security glazing is tough, low-maintenance, and resistant to impact, UV exposure, and environmental wear. AP25 can last many years before requiring replacement.
For businesses, especially retailers, forced entry is often a matter of when, not if. Smash-and-grab events can happen in seconds, and traditional glass simply can’t hold up against determined attackers.
Upgrading to polycarbonate-based glazing like Riot Glass AP25 is one of the most cost-effective security investments available. It strengthens your most vulnerable access points, minimizes risks, and gives you long-term protection without compromising visibility or aesthetics.
While no security measure is 100% foolproof, polycarbonate security glazing is as close as it gets when it comes to stopping real-world burglary attempts. Riot Glass AP25, combined with the Universal Framing System, creates a virtually unbreakable barrier that prevents intruders from smashing their way inside, all while keeping your storefront bright, open, and inviting.
If your goal is to protect your business without sacrificing curb appeal, AP25 is the ideal solution. Contact Riot Glass today to learn more or to get a free quote.
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