Preventing glass damage
Don’t underestimate the inconvenience of damaged windows or shop fronts. Prevention is always better than cure!
- Reduce the opportunity for damage by installing:
- break resistant glass
- grilles and shutters over windows and shop fronts
- video surveillance and monitored alarms
- ‘glass break sensors’ for early alarm activation
- window locks
- adequate lighting and perimeter fencing
- clear signage alerting people to your security measures
- Regularly check the area around your premises for any loose or unsecured items that could be used to damage windows or property – e.g. bricks, bottles or other rubbish.
- Reduce the risk of vehicles crashing through glass doors and windows by installing bollards as a barrier.
- Consider planting low shrubs in strategic locations to make it difficult for vandals to access windows or signage.
- Think carefully about the signage or advertising you include on your windows or shop front.Images such as large smiling faces may be appealing to vandals looking for something to damage!
- Consider applying protective film to glass surfaces to minimise acid damage caused by graffiti and the like.
- Don’t delay cleaning up any graffiti or rubbish.The longer you leave it, the more likely it is to accumulate.
- Work collaboratively with other businesses and police to reduce the risk of vandalism and malicious damage.
- Don’t invite a break-in by leaving valuable items visible after hours.
- If you use cash registers, leave the draws open out of hours to show they’re empty.
- Where appropriate, display valuable stock on mobile stands that can be easily moved out of view.
- Lock mobile devices, such as laptops and cameras, away.
If glass damage does occur, report the incident to Guild Insurance as soon as possible on 1800 810 213.