Written By: Brad Campbell | July 24, 2025
Traditionally, retail security systems have relied heavily on measures like surveillance cameras and alarms. While these are important components of any comprehensive commercial security system, there’s one important thing they don’t do: physically keep bad actors out.
Cameras and alarms work as deterrents and can help catch criminals in the act or, in the case of cameras, aid with prosecution later on, but they don’t prevent forced entry, burglary, smash-and-grab theft, or looting.
This is why it’s so important for retail business owners to safeguard their property and merchandise using additional retail store security system components that provide physical security.
If you can choose only one physical retail security system upgrade to implement, Riot Glass forced entry-resistant security glazing should be your top choice.
Riot Glass retail security glass solutions are built using specific formulations of polycarbonates, acrylics, and other impact-resistant plastics, resulting in security glazing shields that outperform and outlast comparable types of security glass.
For most retail store security applications, we typically recommend containment-grade (non-ballistic) glazing, such as AP-Series AP25, which won’t stop bullets, yet is virtually unbreakable in the face of even the most determined forced entry attempts.
For high-risk retail environments, there are also bullet-resistant glazing solutions that can provide even higher levels of protection against both ballistic attacks and forced entry. These are ideal for businesses that are more likely to be a target of armed robbery or repeat smash-and-grabs, including jewelry stores, cannabis dispensaries, and 24-hour convenience stores or minimarkets.
Many forced entry-resistant glazing solutions from Riot Glass can be retrofitted right on top of a storefront’s existing glass using specialized retrofittable framing adapters that fit into or onto the storefront windows’ and doors’ existing framing systems. This results in a highly cost-effective solution for store owners, since it doesn’t require costly glass replacement or framing upgrades.
The best part about Riot Glass, especially compared to some traditional solutions like permanent window bars, is that it provides always-there storefront glass protection — without altering the appearance or functionality of the glass.
The high optical clarity and glass-like appearance of Riot Glass solutions mean that your storefront windows retain full visibility, continue to allow natural light in, and keep showcasing your products to attract window shoppers — you retain the full curb appeal of your storefront.
Benefits of reinforcing retail security systems with Riot Glass solutions:
While Riot Glass provides always-there storefront glass protection, many businesses can still benefit from additional after-hours retail security. This is where security shutters and similar solutions, like side-folding grilles, come into play.
Rolling shutters and side-folding grilles and gates, such as those offered by QMi Security Innovations, are an excellent option for providing additional after-hours protection as part of a multi-layered retail security system. These shutters and grilles slide over the glass and lock into place, making it even more difficult for would-be intruders or vandals to even reach the glass in the first place.
While these types of solutions only provide protection when businesses are closed, they complement an always-there solution like Riot Glass very well.
Riot Glass’s invisible glass protection works 24/7 to prevent all types of forced entry, smash-and-grab-proofing retail display glass during business hours, while QMi security shutters provide an additional layer of after-hours glass protection.
These two solutions working in tandem offer a comprehensive, virtually impenetrable physical security system for retailers, providing you with even more peace of mind in knowing that your store is fully protected against a full range of threats, from daytime flash robberies to after-hours burglary or rioting and looting.
Benefits of adding QMi security shutters to retail store security systems:
For certain types of high-risk retail businesses, such as luxury jewelry stores, pawn shops, cannabis dispensaries, and cash-handling businesses, you can create an extra secure buffer zone through the addition of an access control vestibule, also known as a mantrap.
Access control vestibules are essentially a double entrance with a set of at least two interlocking doors, one on either side of a self-contained vestibule. In order for someone to enter the store, they must first come through the front door, which then closes and locks behind them, and wait for authorization to pass through the second door.
The buffer zone created can help prevent an unauthorized individual from following another customer in, as well as mitigate the threat of armed robbery that certain types of high-risk businesses face.
An access control vestibule can be made even more secure through the use of ballistic-grade Riot Glass, ensuring that criminals cannot force their way through either of the doors. Using bullet-resistant security glazing (like RG-Series security glass) for an access control vestibule can provide active threat mitigation, protecting employees and customers already inside from armed robbery and ballistic attacks.
Benefits of access control vestibules for retail store security systems in high-risk environments:
Modern retail security systems should extend far beyond conventional measures, such as alarm and surveillance systems, and incorporate physical security measures to not only deter would-be intruders, but also physically keep them out.
Depending on the threat level, a multi-layered system should typically include some form of always-there storefront glass protection as well as additional after-hours security measures. In particularly risky retail environments, bullet-resistant glazing and additional measures like access control vestibules can provide even higher levels of physical security.
Ready to harden your retail security system to help protect your bottom line? Contact Riot Glass today for a commitment-free consultation.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
