Storefront Window Film: A Vital Defense Against Smash-and-Grab Robberies | By Security Expert Jordan Frankel

Retailers are under increasing pressure to protect their merchandise from fast-moving, destructive thefts. One highly effective solution gaining traction among businesses is storefront window film—an invisible layer of protection that reinforces vulnerable glass surfaces and deters would-be criminals. This article explores how smash-and-grab robberies are affecting retailers nationwide and explains how installing high-performance glass security film, like ShatterGARD’s BurglarGARD, can help slow intruders, protect assets, and potentially prevent costly break-ins altogether.

The Escalating Threat of Smash-and-Grab Robberies

In recent years, retailers across the United States have faced a surge in smash-and-grab incidents. These crimes involve perpetrators shattering storefront windows or storming into stores during business hours, swiftly breaking display cases, and absconding with valuable merchandise—all within minutes. Such rapid attacks not only result in significant financial losses but also pose safety risks to employees and customers, stemming from flying, razor-sharp glass.​

For example, one notable incident occurred at a Macy’s store in Sherman Oaks, California, where a group of nine masked thieves executed a coordinated smash-and-grab robbery, stealing merchandise in broad daylight (Fox Business). In another recent smash-and-grab robbery at El Rancho in Fort Worth, Texas, four masked men stormed the store, smashed glass display cases, and stole thousands of dollars in jewelry. Thanks to security video, police quickly arrested eight suspects connected to the crime (Fox4 KDFW).

Smash-and-grab crimes have become a growing concern for retailers and law enforcement nationwide, with organized retail crime (ORC) reaching alarming levels. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 Retail Security Survey, retailers experienced an average 26.5% increase in ORC incidents over the previous year. In fact, U.S. retailers now lose nearly $100 billion annually to smash-and-grab robberies.

Jewelry stores, electronics retailers, and high-end fashion boutiques are among the hardest hit. Criminals often target easily accessible storefront windows and display cases for quick, high-value thefts. These rapid attacks typically take less than five minutes, leaving store owners facing not only financial loss but also property damage, safety risks, and operational disruptions.

Understanding Criminal Behavior: Why Glass Is the Primary Target

In my years of consulting for major retailers, I’ve encountered one common thread in nearly every smash-and-grab incident: display windows and glass doors are always the weakest physical link in most retail environments, and criminals know it. In fact, experienced criminals perform preliminary surveillance solely focusing on the easiest access points. If your store has large, unprotected windows with expensive merchandise on display, you’ve already checked every box for a smash-and-grab target.

Store owners often assume their alarm system, security cameras, or even the store’s location in a “nice area” will deter crime. But in reality, these elements only come into play after the glass is already broken and the merchandise is stolen. Cameras may help with prosecution, and alarms may alert police—but neither physically stops a thief in the moment. Storefront window film adds that critical first layer of physical defense—something many business owners overlook until it’s too late.

Insurance Won’t Cover Everything: The Hidden Costs of a Robbery

One of the most common misconceptions I hear from business owners is: “That’s what insurance is for.” While it’s true that your policy may cover stolen merchandise or damaged property, there are many hidden costs of a smash-and-grab robbery that insurance doesn’t touch.

For example, what about the downtime? Depending on the extent of the damage, your store may need to shut down for days or even weeks for cleanup and repairs. That’s lost sales, missed customer opportunities, and staff hours you still need to pay for.

How Storefront Window Film Deters Smash-and-Grab Robberies

Glass windows and doors are often the most vulnerable points in a retail establishment. Traditional glass can be easily shattered, providing quick access for thieves. To mitigate this risk, many retailers are turning to storefront window film, like BurglarGARD by ShatterGARD, to reinforce these entry points.​

BurglarGARD is a security window film designed to fortify glass surfaces against forced entry. When applied, this optically clear film acts as an invisible barrier, significantly increasing the glass’s resistance to impact.​

Smash-and-grab criminals thrive on speed—they’re looking to get in and out before anyone can react, often in under two or three minutes. They target storefronts with vulnerable glass because it provides quick access to high-value merchandise. As someone who has spent years studying criminal behavior and retail security, I can tell you thieves don’t like obstacles—they want soft targets.

That’s where storefront window film like BurglarGARD comes in. This glass security film doesn’t just make the glass harder to break—it throws a wrench in the thief’s entire plan. Instead of shattering instantly, the glass stays together in a spider web effect, forcing the intruder to waste precious time trying to break through. And in the world of smash-and-grab, every extra second increases the chance they’ll be caught or flee empty-handed.

Benefits of BurglarGARD Storefront Window Film

Unlike alarms with fees and upkeep, BurglarGARD storefront window film is a one-time investment that provides 24/7 protection. Some of its key features include:

• Optical Clarity: Maintains the original appearance of windows without visible changes.​
• Durability: Engineered to withstand attacks from weapons such as baseball bats, hammers, and even bricks.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little to no maintenance—just standard window cleaning with non-abrasive materials, making it a hassle-free long-term solution.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: When installed by certified ShatterGARD technicians, BurglarGARD comes with a limited lifetime warranty covering both materials and labor.

In addition to storefront windows and glass doors, BurglarGARD security film can also be applied to glass display cases. This helps retailers to further protect merchandise from smash-and-grab robberies during store hours.

Security professionals have endorsed BurglarGARD for its effectiveness. A former federal agent and Chief of Security at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center stated, “I’ve been specifying BurglarGARD glass coatings for over 20 years now. My clients love the fact that the film is invisible to the eye and doesn’t alter the appearance of retail stores.”​

Various prominent retailers have adopted BurglarGARD to enhance their security measures. Clients include Zales Jewelers, Verizon Wireless, Best Buy, and more . These businesses have recognized the value of reinforcing their storefronts to deter potential break-ins.

What to Look for in a Glass Security Film (And What to Avoid)

Not all window films are created equal. There’s a significant difference between decorative tint and true security window film. Yes, tinted films are virtually identical in appearance to security film; however, that’s where the similarities end.

For example, someone can easily tear a standard tinted film in half. A high-quality security film can withstand attacks from baseball bats, rocks, and hammers. Yes, the film may break, but only after repeated attention-getting blows. And in most cases, the criminal will flee the premises.

When selecting storefront window film for retail security purposes, here’s what I recommend:

• Impact Resistance Rating: Look for films specifically tested for forced entry resistance. A reputable product should undergo third-party laboratory testing to confirm it can withstand impacts from things like hammers, baseball bats, and even bricks.
• Thickness: With today’s technology, thickness has little to do with performance. Products like ShatterGARD’s BurglarGARD utilize priority adhesives, mylars and polyester materials. They meet or exceed the strength of films that are 25% thicker. Unfortunately, thickness has become a marketing too. Don’t be fooled! Thicker films often distort views through the glass and grow brittle over time.

• Professional Installation: This isn’t a DIY project. The performance of the film is only as good as its installation. Certified technicians know how to apply the film to maximize its strength and appearance.
• Warranty and Support: A high-quality glass security film installation should include a lifetime warranty covering both materials and labor. Ask about long-term durability and what kind of maintenance the film requires.

Avoid bargain products that seem too good to be true. If the price is far below industry standards, the film likely won’t hold up during a real-world break-in. Think of this not just as a security upgrade—but as an asset protection tool.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Smash-and-Grab to Happen to You

After decades in security, I’ve learned this: the best time to invest in protection is before you need it. Smash-and-grab crimes aren’t just a big-city issue—they’re hitting malls, shopping centers, and small local stores nationwide. Criminals are bolder, faster, and more organized than ever.

Storefront window film is one of the smartest, most cost-effective defenses a retailer can install. It buys you time during a break-in and sends a clear message—your store isn’t an easy target.
When combined with alarms and surveillance, high-performance glass security film plays a key role in your loss prevention strategy.

Your merchandise, your staff, and your customers are worth protecting. So don’t wait for a shattered window to convince you. Strengthen your storefront now—and stop smash-and-grab criminals in their tracks.