Written By: Brad Campbell | June 15, 2025
The constant threat of forced entry is an unfortunate reality that many businesses have to deal with, especially in high-crime areas.
Whether it’s an after-hours break-in to commit burglary, a daytime smash-and-grab theft, or a more violent intrusion, the consequences of forced entry can be devastating — both financially and emotionally.
For businesses looking to secure their properties without breaking the bank, there are several cost-effective solutions available to prevent unauthorized access. This guide will explore the most efficient and affordable commercial security options to help safeguard your business from forced entry.
Forced entry typically involves a person gaining access to a property by overcoming physical security barriers such as doors, windows, or locks. Criminals often use tools to break locks, smash windows, or pry open doors to gain entry and burglarize, loot, or vandalize a business.
Needless to say, the impact of forced entry can be devastating for any business. Beyond the immediate financial loss of stolen goods, there are often additional costs in repairs, legal fees, increased insurance premiums, and the loss of customer trust.
For many businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, these expenses can be overwhelming, making it crucial to proactively invest in security measures that are both effective and affordable.
There are several affordable security solutions that can help prevent forced entry, ensuring the safety of your business without causing financial strain. Below are some of the most cost-effective measures to consider.
One of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized entry is by installing forced entry-grade glass or glass-like glazing (e.g., polycarbonate).
Unlike standard glass, impact-resistant commercial security glazing options are designed to withstand heavy force, such as a blow from a sledgehammer during a break-in attempt. These types of glazing are made with multiple layers of materials that can absorb and deflect the force, preventing windows or glass doors from shattering easily.
Though the initial investment may be higher than regular glass, forced entry-resistant windows are a long-term, cost-effective solution. They offer added protection against forced entry while minimizing the need for costly repairs and replacements in the future by keeping windows and glass doors intact.
Additionally, businesses can even save on insurance premiums by installing these security solutions, as many insurers offer discounts for properties with strong security features.
For businesses in high-risk industries, such as banks, pharmacies, government buildings, and retail stores handling high-value goods, bullet-resistant glazing can provide even greater peace of mind.
Unlike standard commercial glass or even impact-resistant glazing, bullet-resistant glass is designed to withstand firearm attacks, providing a high level of both ballistic and forced entry protection during armed robberies or active threat scenarios.
Businesses that have experienced repeat smash-and-grabs or burglaries may even want to consider bullet-resistant glazing for their storefront windows and doors, simply because of the fact that it provides the highest level of glass protection available.
The majority of break-ins occur through doors, as criminals often smash a glass door to open it from the inside and walk right into a business. This makes door security a top priority for businesses.
Reinforcing doors doesn’t always mean replacing them with expensive high-tech systems; there are several cost-effective upgrades that can make a big difference.
Used alongside forced entry-resistant door glazing, reinforced door frames and heavy-duty locks can significantly increase the security of any door.
For additional protection, businesses can consider installing roll-down shutters or side-folding grilles on doors for stronger after-hours security in high-risk areas.
While traditional locks and keys are commonly used to secure doors, electronic access control systems offer an affordable and modern solution for controlling entry into a commercial building. These systems typically use key cards, fobs, or PIN codes to grant access, making it easier to track and manage who enters the building.
For smaller businesses, keypad entry systems or card reader access can be an affordable and effective alternative to more expensive biometric or fingerprint-based access systems. These systems not only prevent unauthorized access but also provide a log of who entered and when, helping businesses monitor and manage security better.
Though the upfront cost of installing electronic access control systems may be higher than traditional lock-and-key methods, they can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially for businesses that need to manage access to multiple areas or high-security zones.
A final key element of preventing forced entry is making your property less attractive to potential criminals. One of the most cost-effective ways to do this is through proper lighting and surveillance systems.
Motion sensor lights can be strategically placed around the building’s exterior, illuminating any suspicious activity around entry points. Criminals are less likely to target well-lit properties due to the increased risk of being seen or caught on camera.
Adding a few security cameras around the perimeter of the building is also a cost-effective way to deter criminal activity.
While full CCTV systems can be costly, smaller, wireless cameras with cloud storage options are more affordable and still provide significant protection. The mere presence of cameras can deter potential intruders, and if a break-in occurs, video footage can help identify the culprits and support insurance claims.
Forced entry is a threat that no business can afford to ignore. Thankfully, there are several cost-effective security solutions available that can prevent break-ins without draining your budget.
It’s also important to remember that the best security strategy is a layered one. Combining multiple commercial security options can significantly boost your business’s protection while keeping long-term costs down.
A well-secured property not only reduces the risk of forced entry but also gives you peace of mind, saving you sleepless nights spent worrying about security or cleaning up after a break-in — it’s an investment well worth making!
Contact Riot Glass today to discuss how we can help you secure your property against forced entry and other threats.
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