Today’s commercial properties face an evolving set of security challenges, from new forms of smash-and-grab theft and after-hours burglary to rioting, looting, and even active threats.
Whether you're securing a retail storefront, office, healthcare facility, or government building, it’s critical to move beyond traditional approaches and invest in long-term, effective solutions that address a full range of modern security threats.
The New Reality of Commercial Building Security
Commercial property owners can no longer afford to treat security as an afterthought. In recent years, businesses across all sectors have experienced:
- Forced entry burglaries
- Smash-and-grab thefts
- Vandalism and looting during protests or civil unrest
- Coordinated flash mob robberies
- Crash-and-grabs (vehicle rammings)
- Active threats, including armed individuals targeting public spaces
While traditional measures like security cameras and alarms are useful for detection, deterrence, and evidence gathering, they don’t physically stop an intruder. That’s why securing your building envelope — especially its doors and windows — is one of the most important steps you can take to address modern commercial building security threats.
Why Traditional Commercial Building Security Solutions Fall Short
Many property owners still rely on outdated or temporary solutions to respond to security threats.
For example, boarding up windows to protect against rioting and looting is time-consuming, costly, unsightly, and only viable when a threat is anticipated.
Window bars are another commonly used traditional solution for some types of businesses, such as convenience stores and liquor stores. However, while they may keep intruders out, they compromise building aesthetics and limit visibility.
These options simply aren’t compatible with how modern commercial buildings need to function and appear, necessitating a better commercial window and door security solution.
Retrofit Security Glazing: A Permanent, Modern Solution for Mitigating Commercial Building Security Threats
Retrofit security glazing, such as Riot Glass, offers a better, more modern approach to window and door security.
Designed to prevent intrusion without compromising appearance, Riot Glass offers virtually unbreakable security glazing systems that install over your existing commercial windows and doors. It's invisible to the casual observer but stops even the most determined attempts at forced entry.
Key Benefits of Riot Glass for Commercial Buildings:
- Maximum physical protection against forced entry, theft, and vandalism
- No need for boarding up before or after a threat
- Maintains clear visibility and natural light
- Low-maintenance and permanent — always-there protection
- Available in non-ballistic (forced entry-resistant) and ballistic-rated (bullet-resistant) options
Installing Riot Glass gives you the peace of mind of true physical protection without sacrificing curb appeal or needing to replace your existing window systems.
Improving Commercial Building Security by Reinforcing Key Areas
Entrances and Storefronts
These are prime targets for forced entry and smash-and-grab thefts. Riot Glass provides a strong barrier that looks like standard glass but resists repeated blows from hammers, crowbars, bricks, and more.
Ground-Level Windows
Especially in retail environments or facilities in urban areas, ground-floor windows must be reinforced. Riot Glass physically prevents breaches, in many cases completely protecting the glass behind from breakage as well.
Lobbies and Reception Areas
These spaces are designed to be open and welcoming, but often provide direct access to high-traffic areas. Securing them with retrofit glazing ensures you’re not compromising safety for design.
Emergency Exits and Side Doors
Less-trafficked entry points are frequently exploited in after-hours break-ins. Riot Glass can be installed over glass components in or next to doors to protect these often-overlooked vulnerabilities.
Affordable Alternatives: When to Consider Window Film for Commercial Building Security
We understand that not every project has the budget for a full Riot Glass system. In some cases, safety and security window film can be a helpful stopgap solution, particularly when paired with other measures like upgraded locks and reinforced frames.
Security film helps hold broken glass in place during an attack and slows down entry, buying precious response time and potentially deterring would-be intruders. However, it doesn’t stop an intruder — it just delays them.
Use security film as part of a layered approach or to secure lower-risk areas while prioritizing Riot Glass for the most vulnerable points.
Going Beyond Glass with Additional Layers of Protection
While securing your building’s envelope is the first line of defense, other physical and procedural upgrades can further improve commercial building security:
- Access control systems to restrict unauthorized entry
- Surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring and evidence gathering
- Security lighting to deter after-hours criminal activity
- Reinforced doors and hardware, such as multi-point locking mechanisms and ram-resistant security doors
- Emergency response planning, including staff training and active threat drills
Still, without physically stopping an intruder at the point of entry, these layers provide limited defense. That’s why security glazing is foundational. Investing in strong security glass:
- Keeps employees and customers safe
- Minimizes downtime after an incident
- Protects brand reputation
- Reduces insurance claims and liability
When your windows and doors are secure, your business is better prepared for whatever comes next — whether it’s an attempted break-in, civil unrest, or an active threat scenario.
Campbell Glass and Films Is Your Commercial Building Security Partner
At Campbell Glass and Films, we secure commercial buildings using Riot Glass, 3M safety and security window film, and other industry-leading solutions. Our experts will work with you to assess your risks, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend the best combination of products to meet your needs and budget.
We believe that true security comes from a place of preparation, and when your building’s windows and doors are fully secured, you’ll be ready for anything.
Contact Campbell Glass and Films today to schedule your free security consultation and find out if Riot Glass is right for your building.
