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!
Today’s retailers face a greater variety of security threats than ever before, from shoplifting and organized retail crime to rioting and looting, vandalism, smash-and-grab theft, and after-hours burglary.
A well-rounded retail store security system is crucial for protecting assets, employees, and customers from these threats.
Modern retail security requires a multi-layered approach that integrates physical barriers, advanced technology, and strategic implementation of best practices.
No single security measure can fully protect a retail store from all threats. Instead, an effective security system requires a comprehensive approach that combines several key measures.
From deterring shoplifters to preventing break-ins and ensuring employee safety, each of the below components plays a critical role in securing any retail space.
Retailers often overlook the importance of securing their storefronts and display windows against forced entry, making the common mistake of thinking that strengthened tempered glass is enough to deter intruders — it’s not.
Retail thieves know how to make short work of even the strongest tempered glass storefront windows. This is why retrofitting retail windows (and glass entryway doors) with anti-theft security glazing is essential.
Anti-theft security glazing, such as the polycarbonate-based AP-Series, reinforces glass surfaces against forced entry, smash-and-grab theft, and vandalism. Unlike standard commercial glass, the glazing resists shattering upon impact, making it much harder for criminals to break in quickly.
Retrofit security glazing provides a much-needed added layer of physical storefront protection while maintaining clear visibility for window displays, making it ideal for glass storefronts and luxury brands that want to maintain their image without compromising on security.
A high-quality, modern surveillance system is the foundation of any retail security strategy. Modern surveillance solutions include high-definition cameras with night vision, motion detection, and remote access capabilities.
Many retailers also use AI-driven analytics to detect suspicious behavior in real time, allowing for quicker intervention.
Proper camera placement, with cameras covering entrances, checkout areas, and other high-risk zones, maximizes the effectiveness of this foundational component of security systems for retail stores.
Retail alarm systems deter intruders and alert store owners or law enforcement when a break-in occurs. These systems can include door and window sensors, motion detectors, and glass-break sensors.
Many modern alarms are also integrated with smart technology, enabling real-time monitoring and control via mobile apps.
A well-designed alarm system not only protects against unauthorized entry but can also be used to monitor restricted areas within a store.
EAS systems help prevent shoplifting by attaching security tags to merchandise. These tags trigger an alarm if they pass through store exits without being deactivated at checkout.
Hard tags and ink tags deter theft by making it difficult for shoplifters to remove or conceal items.
Retailers can customize EAS solutions based on the type of merchandise they sell, ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate customers while maximizing security.
Access control is crucial for protecting back rooms, inventory storage areas, and employee-only zones. Keycard systems, biometric scanners, or PIN-based entry points ensure that only authorized personnel can access these types of sensitive areas.
Some access control systems also track who enters and exits specific areas, helping with investigations in the event of theft or internal shrinkage.
Beyond physical security measures, loss prevention strategies play a vital role in reducing theft and fraud. Employee training, mystery shoppers, and customer engagement techniques all contribute to a proactive security approach.
For example, greeting customers as they enter and offering assistance can deter shoplifters, as they prefer anonymity. Regular inventory audits also help identify theft patterns before losses become significant.
Proper lighting is an often overlooked but essential security measure. Well-lit parking lots, store interiors, and storage areas reduce the likelihood of criminal activity. Good lighting not only deters criminals but also improves the effectiveness of surveillance cameras.
Retailers should also design store layouts that allow clear sightlines, minimizing blind spots where theft can occur unnoticed.
Retail employees need a way to quickly summon help in case of emergencies, such as robberies or violent incidents. Panic buttons installed at cash registers, fitting rooms, or storage areas can be used to discreetly alert security personnel or law enforcement.
Additionally, having a well-defined emergency response plan ensures that employees know how to handle different security situations, from evacuations to handling aggressive customers.
Many retailers, especially those with multiple locations and dealing in high-theft merchandise, can benefit from remote security monitoring services. These services allow security professionals to monitor live camera feeds, respond to alarms, and assess security threats in real time.
Remote monitoring provides a valuable added layer of protection when stores are closed or understaffed, reducing response times to security incidents.
Cybersecurity is just as important as physical security in modern retail environments. Secure payment systems with encryption and fraud detection tools help protect customer data and prevent credit card fraud.
Retailers should also implement best practices such as EMV chip readers, contactless payment options, and multi-factor authentication for online transactions to minimize the risk of fraud.
Modern retail security requires a strategic approach that integrates all of the key components discussed above.
From advanced glass protection to modern surveillance and access control measures, taking a multi-layered approach to retail security creates a safer environment for employees and customers alike.
Investing in comprehensive security solutions not only prevents losses but also improves overall store operations and profitability. So, take proactive steps today to upgrade your retail security system and safeguard your store from forced entry, smash-and-grab theft, and other modern security threats!
At Riot Glass, we offer a full range of retail security solutions for reinforcing storefront doors and windows.
Contact us today for a free consultation to get started!
When it comes to securing buildings against forced entry, ballistic threats, and other risks, architects and security experts need reliable, standardized testing methods to ensure the effectiveness of security glazing.
ASTM International provides a range of rigorous testing standards that make choosing the right security glazing for the job much easier. The clear benchmarks set forth by ASTM International for impact resistance, forced entry durability, and ballistic performance help professionals select glazing solutions that offer proven protection.
ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of industries. These standards provide clear guidelines for testing the safety, durability, and performance of various materials, products, systems, and services.
For architects and security experts, ASTM International plays a critical role in establishing the benchmarks used to evaluate security glazing — specialized glass products designed to resist forced entry, ballistic impacts, and other threats.
ASTM test standards ensure that security glazing meets stringent performance criteria before being implemented in buildings, protecting occupants from potential attacks or hazards.
Security glazing is used in government buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, and other high-risk facilities to increase safety and security.
However, not all security glazing is created equal. Without standardized testing, there would be no reliable way to determine whether a product can truly withstand real-world threats. This is where ASTM standards come in.
ASTM International provides objective, repeatable testing methods that manufacturers must follow to validate the strength and effectiveness of their security glazing. These tests simulate various threat scenarios, from prolonged forced entry attempts to ballistic attacks, ensuring that certified products offer dependable protection.
There are several ASTM International standards that can be used to test the resilience of security glazing under different conditions, with two of the most important being ASTM F3561 and ASTM F3038.
The ASTM F3561 standard test method evaluates how well a fenestration system (windows, doors, or glass barriers) can resist forced entry after being subjected to gunfire. It simulates an active threat scenario where an attacker shoots at a security window or door and then attempts to gain access by physically breaking through the damaged glass.
Products that pass this test are ideal for buildings that require advanced protection against active threats.
The ASTM F3038 standard tests a security glazing system’s ability to withstand a sustained forced entry attempt by a group of attackers using hand tools such as hammers, crowbars, and other common implements. This test is particularly relevant for facilities at risk of mob attacks or civil unrest, such as government buildings and retail stores.
For architects, designing buildings that are both aesthetically appealing and secure is a constant challenge. ASTM International’s standards simplify this process by providing clear, tested performance benchmarks that help architects select the right security glazing products for their projects.
Many local, state, and federal building codes reference ASTM standards when setting security glazing requirements. Ensuring compliance with ASTM-tested products helps architects meet these regulations without additional guesswork.
Security failures in a building can have serious legal and financial consequences. ASTM-certified glazing reduces liability by demonstrating that the materials meet rigorous safety and security benchmarks.
Security glazing must be integrated seamlessly into a building’s design without compromising aesthetics. ASTM testing allows architects to balance safety and appearance by selecting modern materials that provide strong protection without looking overly industrial or intrusive.
When architects choose ASTM-certified glazing, they provide their clients with assurance that the building’s security features have been tested and proven effective against real-world threats. This is particularly important for high-risk facilities that require heightened security.
Security consultants and risk assessment professionals play a crucial role in protecting people and property. Their job is to evaluate potential threats and recommend solutions that effectively mitigate risks.
ASTM-certified security glazing is a key component of many security plans because it provides verifiable, lab-tested resistance against forced entry, ballistic threats, and other forms of attack and impact.
ASTM International provides standardized test methods that can be replicated across different laboratories, ensuring that test results are reliable and unbiased. This consistency allows security professionals to make informed decisions based on objective data rather than manufacturer claims.
ASTM standards provide measurable benchmarks for impact resistance, forced entry resistance, and ballistic durability. Security experts use these ratings to compare products and determine which solutions best match a facility’s specific threat profile.
Many ASTM tests simulate realistic attack scenarios, making the results directly applicable to security planning. Whether it’s an armed assailant, a riot, or an attempted burglary, ASTM-certified glazing has been proven to withstand these threats under controlled testing conditions.
Government agencies and law enforcement organizations often reference ASTM standards when establishing security requirements for buildings. Using ASTM-certified products ensures alignment with best practices and official security guidelines.
ASTM International sets the gold standard for testing security glazing, ensuring that these products meet rigorous safety and performance criteria. Architects trust ASTM standards to help them design secure buildings without compromising aesthetics, while security experts rely on them to verify the effectiveness of protective glazing against real-world threats.
Choosing ASTM-certified security glazing helps professionals ensure their projects comply with industry regulations, mitigate security risks, and provide clients with the highest level of protection.
Are you looking for ASTM-certified security glazing for your facility? Contact Riot Glass today to learn more about our industry-leading solutions.
Commercial glass entry doors offer increased visibility, more natural light, and a more modern, professional appearance, but they’re also incredibly vulnerable to forced entry.
Even entryway doors made of strengthened tempered glass can shatter and crumble upon impact — seasoned criminals know exactly how to make short work of glass doors to force entry to a business or facility.
This is why it’s so important for business owners and building managers to take proactive steps to secure their property’s glass doors against forced entry and all the threats that come along with it, from burglary and looting to active threats.
One of the most effective ways to secure commercial glass entry doors is by retrofitting them with Riot Glass security glazing.
Riot Glass is designed to reinforce existing glass doors and windows, creating a formidable barrier against forced entry attempts while maintaining visibility and aesthetics.
Unlike standard tempered glass, which shatters upon impact, Riot Glass security panels are designed to absorb and distribute the force of impacts, making it significantly harder for intruders to gain entry.
In fact, many Riot Glass glazing shields utilize specific formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other plastics, rendering them virtually unbreakable and completely shatterproof.
Depending on the level of protection required and the specific types of potential threats you want to protect against, you can choose from either forced entry-resistant or ballistic-grade Riot Glass to achieve your goals.
For businesses looking to prevent burglaries, looting, and smash-and-grab attacks, forced entry-resistant Riot Glass is an ideal solution. This security glazing can withstand repeated strikes from hammers, crowbars, bricks, and other common burglary tools without breaking apart or yielding.
Additionally, forced entry-resistant Riot Glass can often be retrofitted right on top of the existing door glass. This is done using retrofittable framing adapters that fit into or onto the existing glass entryway door framing system. Retrofitting the glazing onto an existing door is one of the most cost-effective ways to secure it against forced entry.
Key benefits of forced entry-resistant Riot Glass for commercial glass entry doors include:
Many businesses, including retail stores, pharmacies, and office buildings, choose this option to prevent costly break-ins and property damage without compromising aesthetics.
For businesses and facilities that require a higher level of protection, ballistic-grade Riot Glass provides resistance against gunfire in addition to forced entry prevention.
This type of Riot Glass is tested to withstand bullets from various firearm calibers, ensuring that a building’s commercial glass entry doors can protect occupants from active threats.
Schools, government buildings, banks, and other high-risk locations often opt for ballistic-rated security glass to mitigate threats and create safer environments.
Even high-risk retail businesses and retailers who’ve experienced repeat smash-and-grabs are increasingly turning to bullet-resistant Riot Glass for the highest levels of storefront door and window protection.
Important features of ballistic-grade Riot Glass include:
This solution is a crucial component of an active threat preparedness strategy, helping delay or deter violent attacks while allowing time for emergency response. Keep in mind that ballistic-grade Riot Glass is still fully forced entry resistant as well — even if eventually penetrated by bullets, it continues to deny access.
For the ultimate in commercial glass entry door security, Riot Glass also offers complete unbreakable door conversion units, which fully replace your glass entryway doors with bullet-resistant ArmorPlast AP75 polycarbonate glazing panels and high-security door framing.
ArmorPlast AP75 panels are rated UL 752 Level 1 for ballistic resistance, meaning they can withstand multiple shots from a 9mm handgun firing 124-grain full metal jacket rounds with a lead core.
When paired with impact-resistant door conversion framing, these panels create an exceptionally durable commercial glass entry door system that resists both forced entry and ballistic threats, standing up to prolonged and intense attacks.
Key advantages of unbreakable door conversion units include:
An unbreakable door conversion is the best solution for businesses and facilities that want to eliminate vulnerabilities altogether while maintaining the appearance and functionality of their glass entryway doors.
Any commercial facility is only secure as its weakest link, which is almost always an unprotected door or window.
In order for Riot Glass door security solutions to be 100% effective, it’s important to also ensure that any nearby window glazing is also protected. This prevents a would-be intruder from simply smashing a window and reaching through to open a secured door from the inside using its emergency egress mechanism.
Riot Glass offers a full range of retrofittable window glazing solutions to secure your commercial windows against forced entry and ballistic attacks, fortifying your entire property without making it look fortified.
Commercial glass entry doors are a vital part of a building’s design, offering visibility and accessibility—but without the right protection, they can also be a major security vulnerability. Retrofitting glass doors with Riot Glass security glazing or upgrading them using an unbreakable door conversion kit provides a powerful defense against forced entry, burglary, looting, and even active threats.
Whether you need forced entry-resistant Riot Glass to deter traditional break-ins or ballistic-grade Riot Glass for more high-risk environments, these solutions reinforce existing glass doors without compromising aesthetics.
By proactively securing your commercial glass entry doors and reinforcing surrounding windows, you can fortify your property, protect assets, and ensure the safety of employees and customers—all while maintaining the sleek, modern look of your business or facility.
Contact us today for a consultation!