A shoe store installing bulletproof glass to prevent forced entry and burglary might sound like overkill, but that’s exactly what one fed-up Victoria business owner did after experiencing multiple smash-and-grab thefts.
Here at Riot Glass, we often talk about the wave of smash-and-grabs rocking retailers across the U.S., but our friendly neighbors up north are also getting hit hard, causing Canadian retailers to increasingly explore our solutions for protecting against vandalism, forced entry, and related threats.
With a population of less than 100,000 (and around 400,000 in the greater area) Victoria, British Columbia is a small city by most standards, but it faces many of the same problems with crime as much larger cities.
In 2023, 61% of small businesses in the province of British Columbia reported vandalism or a break-in, with that number jumping to 68% in 2024.
A Victoria running shoe store, 2:18 Run, was one of these businesses, having been hit not once, not twice, but three times by smash-and-grab thieves during the past year.
In at least one of these incidents, the intruders threw a large rock through the retailer’s storefront windows to gain entry, destroying the storefront and making off with thousands of dollars in high-end Nikes and other merchandise.
After the third incident requiring the store’s owner to clean up broken glass in the middle of the night, take inventory of missing merchandise (up to 50 boxes of shoes, plus accessories like sunglasses), and file insurance claims, he’d had enough — he decided to take action by contacting a local Canadian Riot Glass dealer and inquiring about his options for forced entry prevention.
The solution they landed on was installing bullet-resistant Riot Glass on the retailer’s storefront windows, providing the highest level of burglary and smash-and-grab theft protection available to ensure the store would never again be a victim of these types of retail crime.
With the flexible, highly impact-resistant security glazing and shock-absorbing security framing installed, this particular store is no longer vulnerable to smash-and-grab theft or forced entry of any kind.
A repeat attempt to throw a rock through the business’s storefront windows would result in the rock bouncing right back at the would-be intruders. Even more determined professional attempts to force entry using sledgehammers, jackhammers, or other burglary and power tools will be met with frustration.
In TV news interviews, the Victoria shoe store’s owner highlighted that not only was he worried about continued broken glass clean-up, storefront repairs, inventory losses, and restless nights, but that he was also highly concerned about the willingness of insurance companies to keep providing coverage after filing so many claims.
The business owner decided that making a one-time investment in Riot Glass was the right proactive step to both provide himself with peace of mind and guarantee the insurability of his business for years to come.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that no retail business is safe from vandalism, break-ins, and smash-and-grab theft.
This case study highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to protect businesses — whether big or small — against forced entry-related crimes.
While installing bullet-resistant security glazing on a small storefront might seem excessive, it’s quickly becoming the new norm.
All it takes is one devastating incident to understand the difference Riot Glass can make — the difference between a sleepless night spent sweeping up glass, boarding up your storefront, and adding up the value of stolen goods versus waking up to a few scratches on your business’s windows and doors at most.
Riot Glass has an extensive network of authorized dealers and installers all across the U.S. and Canada who are ready to fortify your business against crime without making it look fortified.
Ready to discuss your options? Contact us today for a consultation.
When it comes to forced-entry-resistant doors, you might be picturing heavy, solid metal doors. While these types of security doors are certainly effective at preventing forced entry, especially for vulnerable exit doors or service entrances, they simply aren’t viable for most commercial entryways.
Many businesses rely on glass storefront doors and windows to boost curb appeal and attract customers, and many commercial facilities incorporate modern glass entryway doors into their architecture, for an open, inviting look. Replacing these glass doors with metal ones would completely defeat their purpose.
Fortunately, there’s another way to achieve forced-entry-resistant doors for glass entryways and storefront — Riot Glass’s virtually unbreakable door retrofit solutions.
With these innovative Riot Glass solutions, your glass entryway doors can be just as secure as high-security exit doors without hurting the visual appeal or functionality of your storefront or building facade.
Riot Glass security glazing and framing solutions protect commercial properties of all types from forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, rioting and looting, vandalism, and even ballistic attacks, depending on your perceived threat level and goals.
Forced-entry-resistant doors aren’t only for extremely high-security environments. Virtually any business or facility with vulnerable glass entryway doors can benefit from upgraded doors.
A secure entryway serves as a powerful deterrent to forced-entry-related threats, from after-hours burglary to brazen daytime smash-and-grabs. For high-risk facilities, forced-entry-resistant doors also provide access denial in a worst-case active threat scenario.
Riot Glass offers retrofittable forced-entry-resistant door solutions to meet the needs of:
The most common forced-entry methods exploit weaknesses around vulnerable door and window glass.
For example, glass within 40 inches of a door lock, including panes of glass within the door unit itself, is often a prime target. Intruders can easily break a pane of glass with a swing of a hammer or even something as simple as a thrown spark plug, allowing them to reach through and unlock the door from the inside or open it using the emergency egress mechanism.
This type of forced entry is especially common in incidents of retail theft where criminals attempt rapid entry, either when committing a smash-and-grab-style burglary or when looting businesses during civil unrest or a natural disaster.
In the worst-case scenario of an active threat targeting a school, a government building, or another type of facility, violent attackers may also attempt to force entry by shooting a glass door with firearms to gain quick access.
Ideal for framed glass doors, AP-Series Riot Glass is a polycarbonate-based security glazing that provides virtually unbreakable glass protection for doors and windows. It can often be fitted directly over the existing glass, creating a clear, resilient barrier that stops forced entry attempts in their tracks.
AP-Series glazing is also available with UL 752 ballistic resistance, offering an additional layer of ballistic protection for active threat mitigation.
Benefits of AP-Series Retrofits:
For facilities requiring the highest level of security, Riot Glass unbreakable door conversion kits offer unparalleled strength and durability. This system combines the high-security Universal Framing System with AP75 bullet-resistant glazing panels, achieving both a UL 752 Level 1 ballistic rating and ASTM F3038 forced entry test standards.
Passing the ASTM F3038 forced-entry-resistance test means that these door conversion units are suited to some of the most high-security commercial applications you can imagine, including government buildings and similar facilities. They can resist mob-style attacks using heavy tools.
Here’s a video demonstrating the capacity of these forced-entry-resistant doors to withstand even the most severe attacks:
Benefits of Riot Glass Unbreakable Door Conversions:
Riot Glass provides modern, aesthetic door security solutions that maintain the welcoming feel of glass storefronts and entryway doors. Designed to look and function like standard commercial glass doors, Riot Glass forced-entry-resistant doors retain full visibility, preserving sight lines and letting in natural light.
Riot Glass solutions are crafted from proprietary formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other specialized security glazing materials. They’re highly engineered to withstand real-world forced entry attempts and ballistic threats (depending on the specific composition).
The combination of aesthetics and strength makes Riot Glass unique in its ability to support architectural and design goals alongside security objectives. Whereas traditional door security measures can give a fortress-like impression, Riot Glass products provide even better protection without compromising your building’s inviting atmosphere.
Every property has its own unique security profile and challenges, which is why Riot Glass offers a fully customizable approach to forced-entry-resistant door solutions.
From lightweight retrofit options like AP-series AP25 glazing shields for moderate-risk environments, such as high-end retails stores, to ballistic-grade unbreakable door conversions for maximum protection, our products are designed to meet various levels of commercial security requirements.
Riot Glass solutions can be customized to fit specific door and window dimensions, design styles, and desired security ratings, providing clients with the flexibility to address their exact needs.
Additionally, Riot Glass is compatible with various framing and architectural specifications, allowing for seamless integration with almost any existing structure.
Riot Glass solutions can often be installed without requiring major renovations or even replacement of the existing glass, making them an extremely cost-efficient option.
We work either directly with clients or with their local glass contractors, architects, or other building professionals to ensure that our solutions align with all brand, security, and operational goals, providing a robust, customized defense that’s as attractive as it is functional.
Our holistic approach ensures that each client receives the right solution for their unique needs and challenges, rather than a one-size-fits-all security option.
Riot Glass offers glass entryway door security solutions that don’t compromise on the appearance or curb appeal of your storefront glass. In other words, we fortify buildings without making them look fortified.
With several options, including AP-Series retrofit security glazing and Riot Glass unbreakable door conversion kits, you have unprecedented access to forced-entry-resistant entryway door solutions that can be adapted to your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking to secure a luxury retail store, a government building, a school, or anything in between, Riot Glass has the perfect solution.
Contact our team today for a consultation and let us help protect your property with durable security glazing solutions tailored to your needs!
In response to the continued prevalence of active threat incidents in schools nationwide, schools and districts are reassessing security measures, especially when it comes to preventing unauthorized entry.
Unauthorized entry poses significant risks to the physical safety of students and staff, making it essential for schools to adopt robust access control technologies and procedures that safeguard campuses against potential threats.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how school security and access control go hand in hand, providing you with actionable steps you can take to implement effective access control strategies for school properties.
School access control systems play a central role in managing and monitoring who enters and exits school buildings and other areas on school property. These systems not only deter unauthorized individuals from entering but also streamline daily operations, ensuring that only authorized staff, students, and visitors gain access to a school’s facilities.
Effective access control in schools can:
Implementing modern access control and school security measures and best practices is a way for educational institutions to proactively address vulnerabilities, ultimately creating a safer, more secure learning environment.
The first line of defense against unauthorized access is a secure perimeter and entry points, including doors and windows.
Schools should consider installing forced entry-resistant, or even bullet-resistant security glazing on all vulnerable glass doors and windows to prevent forced entry and protect against active threats.
When you reinforce school doors and windows with these access denial barriers, it prevents intruders from bypassing secure entryways by breaking a pane of glass and unlocking a door from the inside.
Additionally, schools should designate a single point of entry for all students, staff, and visitors. Directing everyone to enter the facilities through a single monitored entry reduces the risk of unnoticed intrusions.
Implementing these physical school security access control measures helps educational institutions maintain better control over who enters the premises.
Modern technology-driven identification systems ensure that only authorized individuals have access to school facilities through approved entryways. For example, keycard-controlled doors provide students, faculty, and other authorized personnel with secure entry while maintaining digital logs for auditing.
Alternatively, biometric scanners, including fingerprint and facial recognition systems, or mobile (smartphone-based) credentials can add an even more secure layer of access control, making it nearly impossible for intruders to bypass locked entryways (by getting ahold of someone’s keycard, for example).
Lastly, all schools should implement a rigid visitor management system, requiring visitors to check in using a valid ID so administrative staff always know who is on school property and can easily recognize someone who isn’t supposed to be there.
Overall, these school security access control systems make it easier to track and manage access while deterring unauthorized entry.
Integrating video surveillance and alarm systems with access control offers schools comprehensive security coverage. These systems work together to provide real-time monitoring and immediate alerts, ensuring a proactive response to potential threats.
For instance, high-resolution cameras with motion detection and connected alarms can instantly notify security personnel of unusual behavior or breaches of restricted areas.
Surveillance footage, combined with alarm event logs, also provides incident recording and analysis opportunities, which can aid in post-event investigations and improve future threat mitigation strategies.
Integrating surveillance and alarm systems with access control in schools also allows security personnel or school resource officers to visually cross-check identities, enhancing accuracy and accountability.
This combined approach to school security and access control boosts situational awareness, minimizes response times, and adds a critical layer of defense to school security systems.
Comparison of Key School Security Access Control Strategies
| Strategy | How It Works | Key Benefits | How It Supports Other Measures |
| Physically Secure Entry Points | Reinforces doors and windows with forced entry- or bullet-resistant glazing; funnels all access through a single monitored entry. | - Prevents intruders from breaking glass to gain entry- Creates a strong first line of defense- Reduces number of access points to monitor | Strengthens identification and surveillance by ensuring people only enter through secured, monitored areas. |
| Advanced Identification Systems | Uses keycards, biometrics, and visitor management systems to control and log who enters school facilities. | - Ensures only authorized staff, students, and visitors gain access- Provides digital access logs for auditing- Deters unauthorized entry attempts | Works with secure entry points by adding a second layer of verification; integrates with surveillance for identity cross-checks. |
| Integrated Video Surveillance & Alarms | Connects high-resolution cameras, motion detection, and alarms with access control systems for real-time monitoring and alerts. | - Provides immediate detection of threats or breaches- Enables rapid emergency response- Offers incident recording for investigations | Enhances both secure entry and ID systems by verifying identities visually and alerting staff if someone attempts to bypass security barriers. |
Access control technology alone is not enough. Schools must also develop and enforce clear policies to complement access control measures.
Periodic assessments of school security systems, including access control measures, help identify vulnerabilities and ensure systems are functioning optimally. These audits should cover physical barrier strength, technology updates, and procedural adherence, among other things.
Educating students and staff on school security and access control protocols is also crucial. Training should cover:
With everyone well-informed and prepared, your school’s access control measures will be more effective!
Establishing strict visitor protocols ensures accountability and awareness. Schools should require:
These steps ensure that visitors are easily identifiable and monitored, making it easier to immediately identify unauthorized or suspicious individuals.
School Security Access Control Policies at a Glance
| Policy | What It Involves | Key Benefits | How It Strengthens Access Control |
| Regular Security Audits | Scheduled reviews of barriers, tech systems, and procedures to identify weaknesses and ensure optimal performance. | - Detects and fixes vulnerabilities early- Keeps systems updated and reliable- Ensures compliance with safety standards | Supports all other measures by maintaining system integrity and readiness. |
| Staff & Student Training | Teaching proper use of credentials, recognizing threats, reporting incidents, and practicing drills. | - Builds awareness and preparedness- Improves emergency response- Encourages shared responsibility | Maximizes the effectiveness of technology by ensuring people know how to respond correctly. |
| Visitor Protocols | Requiring ID check-in, issuing badges, limiting access, and escorting visitors where needed. | - Creates accountability- Makes unauthorized individuals easier to spot- Reduces chance of unnoticed entry | Complements secure entry systems by ensuring every non-student or staff member is verified and tracked. |
In some cases, community involvement can positively contribute to the effectiveness of access control measures.
Partnering with parents, law enforcement, and even local security industry businesses can provide schools with additional resources and support. For example, parent volunteers can assist with monitoring during high-traffic times, such as during drop-off and pick-up times or special events.
Additionally, schools can collaborate with local law enforcement or private security companies for training sessions or hire on-site resource officers or security guards to increase security presence. Such collaborations foster a collective commitment to mitigating school safety issues!
Protecting schools in today’s high-risk security climate requires a layered school security and access control strategy. When schools combine physically secure entry points with advanced identification systems and integrated video surveillance, they create a strong, interconnected defense that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized entry and increases day-to-day safety.
Riot Glass school security solutions provide educational facilities with the ability to reinforce vulnerable doors and windows, one of the most critical access control measures, without the need for full-scale glass replacements. Hardening your school windows and doors with Riot Glass gives staff, students, and parents greater peace of mind while ensuring your broader access control systems can work to their fullest potential.
Contact us today to learn how Riot Glass can help your school build a safer, more resilient learning environment.
School safety is a top priority for educators, parents, and communities alike. In recent years, high-profile incidents have highlighted the vulnerabilities in school security systems, especially doors and windows.
Improving school door security is not just about installing better locks; it involves a multi-layered approach to ensure students and staff are protected.
In this article we’ll explore effective strategies districts can implement to secure doors and boost overall security across their facilities.
Doors and windows with traditional glass are among the weakest points in a building’s security system. Intruders can break through these surfaces quickly to gain entry, bypassing even the most secure locks. For schools, this presents a critical safety risk during active threat scenarios and other emergencies, especially when a lockdown is in place.
Riot Glass security glazing is a simple yet highly effective solution for improving school door security when doors contain glass themselves or are adjacent to vulnerable windows. This durable, shatter-resistant material is designed to withstand forced entry attempts, keeping attackers out and giving law enforcement precious time to arrive.
By preventing intruders from breaching glass doors, Riot Glass boosts lockdown security and provides peace of mind to staff and parents alike — but securing school doors doesn’t end at the door itself. Intruders often exploit nearby windows to bypass locked entrances. Reinforcing all glass surfaces within reach of doors ensures that every potential access point is protected.
Riot Glass offers effective active threat access denial solutions for schools that secure both doors and adjacent windows, eliminating weak links in the building’s perimeter and interior areas.
Access control systems are another vital component of modern commercial security systems. These systems restrict entry to authorized individuals, allowing schools to monitor and manage who enters the building at any time. By combining access control with security cameras, alarms, and other measures, schools can quickly respond to potential threats.
Districts should consider implementing the following features when incorporating access control to improve school door security:
Traditional school door locks can be vulnerable to tampering or force. Modern solutions, such as deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and electromagnetic locks, provide far greater resistance to these forced entry tactics.
Here are some recommended features to look for when choosing new locks for securing school doors:
Keeping classroom doors locked during school hours is a simple yet effective strategy for improving school door security. A locked door can delay or prevent an intruder from entering, giving authorities more time to intervene and protecting students and faculty from harm.
To ensure that school doors are able to remain securely closed and locked at all times, districts should conduct regular inspections to ensure locks and hinges are functioning properly.
No school door security system is foolproof, and vulnerabilities can arise over time due to wear, outdated technology, or evolving threats. Routine security assessments help districts identify and address these gaps before they become critical.
Districts should partner with professional security consultants for comprehensive evaluations. These experts can provide actionable insights and help develop a checklist for ongoing maintenance.
Here are some components of an effective security audit:
A secure school environment depends on everyone’s participation. Staff and students must be well-prepared to respond effectively in emergencies, including worst-case active threat scenarios.
Running educational campaigns around security, including school door security, can help foster a culture of security awareness.
These campaigns should teach students how to recognize suspicious activity and report it to trusted adults as well as train staff in using emergency systems, including door-locking mechanisms and alarm triggers.
By working to build a culture of security awareness, schools can ensure a cohesive response to threats in which everyone from the principal to the students plays a role in keeping the campus safe.
Addressing school door security vulnerabilities is a complex challenge that requires a multi-layered approach.
Reinforcing window and door glass with Riot Glass security glazing is a critical first step, as it prevents intruders from exploiting weak points. However, this solution must be complemented by other measures, such as access control systems, modern locks, and regular security assessments.
Districts must also prioritize staff and student training to ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining safety. By combining these strategies, schools can create a secure environment where students can focus on learning without fear.
District administrators should take immediate steps to evaluate their current school door security systems and make necessary improvements.
Riot Glass offers a proven solution for securing school doors and windows against forced entry, making it an essential component of any school security plan.
Contact Riot Glass today to learn how we can help protect your campus.