How to Stop Smash-and-Grab Crimes: A Retailer’s Guide | By Security Expert Jordan Frankel

Retail store owners across the country are asking the same question: how to stop smash-and-grab crimes before they cause devastating losses? These fast, aggressive attacks are growing in frequency and cost, targeting everything from small boutiques to big-box chains. And while traditional security measures like alarms and surveillance cameras play a role, they simply aren’t enough to stop a determined criminal once they’ve made up their mind.

One highly effective and often overlooked solution is glass security film—a clear, virtually invisible layer that strengthens vulnerable entry points like storefront windows, glass doors, and display cases. When installed properly, this film delays forced entry and often causes smash-and-grab criminals to give up before they can get in. In this article, I’ll walk you through why these crimes are happening, how they work, and what you can do to protect your business.

The Rise of Smash-and-Grab Retail Crime

Smash-and-grab crimes are nothing new, but their frequency, organization, and boldness have reached disturbing new levels in recent years. These aren’t isolated, impulsive acts. Highly coordinated groups often involve multiple individuals who scout locations, plan entry points, and time their attacks down to the second.

Take, for example, a recent incident in Los Angeles, where a Nordstrom department store was hit in broad daylight by a mob of approximately 30 masked thieves (Los Angeles Times). The group stormed the store, smashed glass display cases, and fled with over $100,000 worth of luxury goods. The entire event was over in minutes, and the footage—captured by stunned bystanders—went viral. The sheer speed and brazenness of the attack left both employees and customers shaken.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated event. Retailers across the country are reporting similar attacks, often involving groups targeting high-value merchandise like jewelry, electronics, and designer fashion. According to the 2023 Retail Security Survey by the National Retail Federation, incidents of organized retail crime (ORC) increased by over 26% from the previous year. In total, smash-and-grab robberies and related crimes are now costing U.S. businesses close to $100 billion annually.

These aren’t just financial losses. Store owners are also dealing with shattered glass, frightened employees, traumatized customers, and sometimes weeks of cleanup and downtime. The message is clear: Smash-and-grab crimes are a serious, growing threat—and waiting until your store is hit isn’t a plan.

Understanding Smash-and-Grab Criminals

As someone who’s spent more than two decades working with retailers on loss prevention, I can tell you this: criminals attack the glass first. It’s fast, it’s fragile, and in most cases, it’s completely unprotected. Storefront windows and entry doors are typically the weakest link in any retail security plan. That’s why they’re the first point of attack in nearly every smash-and-grab scenario.

Most thieves want in and out—fast. The typical smash-and-grab takes less than three minutes from start to finish. They come armed with hammers, bats, crowbars—whatever gets them through the glass quickly. If there’s a display case in their way, that goes next. They aim to grab high-value merchandise and leave before anyone can respond.

That’s where glass security film changes the game.

Unlike untreated glass that shatters on impact, security film for glass reinforces your glass windows, doors, and display cases with a nearly invisible shield that holds shattered pieces together. This creates a delay that most criminals can’t afford. Instead of gaining instant access, they’re forced to waste precious time trying to break through. And in a smash-and-grab, every second matters.

By slowing down or completely deterring the intruder, glass security film disrupts the entire purpose of the crime. Thieves either flee empty-handed or get caught in the act. That’s why this type of protection isn’t just about damage control—it’s a true crime prevention tool.

How to Stop Smash-and-Grab Criminals in Their Tracks

Short of hiring costly armed guards to stand watch around the clock, there’s no surefire way to prevent a determined criminal from attempting a smash-and-grab. But you can make it much harder for them to succeed. Glass security film reinforces storefront windows, glass doors, and display cases by holding shattered glass in place with a spiderweb-like grip. Even after repeated blows with a bat, hammer, or crowbar, the film stays intact—delaying or even preventing entry.

That delay is often enough to stop a burglary in progress. Smash-and-grab thieves rely on speed. The longer it takes to get through the glass, the more likely they are to flee empty-handed. Unlike alarms and surveillance systems, which react after a crime begins, security film provides a physical layer of protection by creating a tough physical barrier.

Here’s how it works:

Glass security film is a clear, multilayered mylar coating applied directly to your existing glass windows, doors, and/or display cases. Installers apply it to the interior side of the glass. If struck, the glass may break—but the film holds the shards in place, making it difficult and time-consuming to breach.

With almost 25 years in the security industry, I can state without hesitation, stores with security film installed experience significantly less damage and monetary losses than those without. Despite its effectiveness, many retailers still don’t know about this simple yet powerful solution.

Security film is discreet, low-maintenance, and incredibly effective. When paired with alarms and surveillance, it helps transform your store from an easy target to a far tougher one.

To see just how durable glass security film really is, check out this demonstration video of ShatterGARD’s BurglarGARD security film.

Many national retailers—including Zales Jewelers, Verizon Wireless, and Best Buy—trust BurglarGARD to help safeguard their stores. 

What to Look for in a High-Quality Glass Security Film

If you’re serious about preventing losses from smash-and-grab crimes, choosing the right glass security film—and the right installer—is just as important as the decision to use it.

Here’s what to look for: 

• Forced Entry Resistance: Choose a film that’s been third-party tested to withstand blunt-force attacks. Look for ratings against tools like hammers, crowbars, and baseball bats. This isn’t marketing hype—it’s about real-world stopping power.
• Adhesive Technology: The film’s ability to hold shattered glass in place depends on the adhesive. High-performance films use proprietary bonding agents that outperform even thicker, cheaper films. Don’t assume thicker means stronger—construction quality matters more.
• Clarity and Appearance: Top-tier security films are virtually invisible once applied. They preserve storefront visibility and won’t distort displays, which is especially important for retailers relying on visual merchandising.
• Professional Installation: This is not a DIY job. Proper installation requires certified technicians who know how to prep surfaces, apply film without bubbles or gaps, and seal edges to ensure durability.
• Warranty Coverage: Look for a manufacturer-backed lifetime warranty covering materials and labor. Ask about UV protection, lifespan, and maintenance to make sure you’re investing in a long-term solution.

One more tip: Steer clear of bargain-bin or generic films sold online without installation support. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is—and those films often fail under real-world conditions.

When professionally installed and properly selected, security film for glass is a powerful defense against break-ins, helping protect your store, your merchandise, and your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is security film visible once it’s installed?
A: No—most premium security films are optically clear and virtually undetectable to the eye. Your storefront keeps the same appearance but gains much stronger protection.

Q: Can I apply security film myself?
A: It’s strongly recommended that you don’t. Professional installation ensures maximum adhesion, clean edges, and bubble-free application. Improper installation can drastically reduce the film’s effectiveness.

Q: How long does it take to install?
A: The size of the job determines installation time, but installers can usually complete most small-to-medium storefronts in a day or less. There’s little to no disruption to daily operations.

Q: How long does glass security film last?
A: When professionally installed, many films can last a lifetime. Of course, this requires following the cleaning instructions for the product. Some products, like ShatterGARD’s BurglarGARD, come with a limited lifetime warranty covering both materials and labor.

Q: Is the film difficult to clean?

A: Most security films are very easy to clean. For example, you can easily clean glass coated with BurglarGARD using a lint-free paper towel, microfiber towel, or soft squeegee. Vinegar-based cleaners are best. You want to avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners.

Q: Will it work on interior glass, like display cases?
A: Absolutely. Retailers often apply security film to glass display cases to protect high-value items during business hours.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Pricing varies based on the size of your storefront and the specific product used. However, most retailers find that the cost of installing security film is far less than the potential losses from even a single smash-and-grab.

Stop Smash-and-Grab Crimes Before They Start

If there’s one truth I’ve learned after decades in the retail security industry, it’s this: you can’t wait until after a break-in to start thinking about protection. Smash-and-grab crimes aren’t slowing down—they’re becoming more organized, more aggressive, and more frequent. And they’re not limited to high-crime areas. Whether your store is in a major city or a suburban shopping center, you could be a target.

The good news? You can take action today. Installing glass security film is one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to harden your storefront and protect your livelihood. It’s discreet, affordable, and powerful—and when combined with alarms and surveillance systems, it forms a comprehensive defense strategy that actually deters crime before it happens.

Don’t wait for smash-and-grab thugs to force your hand. Protect your staff, your inventory, and your peace of mind. When you know how to stop smash-and-grab crimes, you take control—becoming prepared instead of remaining a victim.