DEFENDING AGAINST VANDALISM

1. Graffiti & security window film: completely covers your windows. It protects against "taggers" (spray paint) and etchings in the glass from a knife or sharp object. In most cases of damage, only the film needs to be replaced which costs less than glass. Film can be clear or tinted.

CAUTION: Film can cause heat buildup and cracks in glass. We recommend that you apply film to tempered glass only.

2. Preventive Boardup: boards placed on windows ahead of time to prevent damage from riots, demonstrations, or conventions. This is recommended for emergencies only as it can be expensive.

3. Convex mirrors mounted outside your store allow employees to watch the perimeter of your locations to defend against unwanted activity.

MAKING IT HARDER FOR THIEVES

1. Laminated Safety Glass on your windows and display cases can prevent smash and grab theft. Laminated glass is made of two pieces of glass with a clear piece of vinyl film between them. The film holds the glass together in case of breakage, making it much harder to break into a display case or store window. Most car windshields are made of laminated glass so that the windshield remains in place even if it gets cracked. Many jewelry stores require thick laminated glass for their display windows.

CAUTION: Applying window film to laminated glass can cause heat cracks. If you desire window film, then we recommend that you install tempered safety glass with security film.

2. Fire laws require that rear exits must easily open outward with pressure on the door paddle, but that doesn't mean you have to vulnerable to theft. Secure panic hardware (such as Arm-a-dor®) for doors prevent theft through the rear door at night (break-ins from outside). In the daytime, alarmed units deter people from sneaking out the back door with merchandise.

Convex mirrors mounted inside stores allow your staff to watch the activities of customers in far corners.

4. Secure Master Keyways allow you to easily change locks when key personnel leave your store, but still open doors master keys for regional managers.

5. Blackout film hides sensitive areas of your store from outside view through windows.

6. Check silicon seals on windows. Thieves often cut the silicon seals around windows, making the glass easy to pull out later.

7. Replace cracked windows. Cracks make windows appear vulnerable to thieves, especially since cracks can spread.