3 Security Benefits of Commercial Window Films

Burglary and thefts at small businesses are a constant challenge. In 2023, KTLA reported, "For the fifth year in a row, Los Angeles has the dubious distinction of being the number one city in the nation when it comes to organized retail theft."  The large windows on retail establishments and some office buildings can lead to an increased risk of theft, but safety film can provide better security to protect your business.

1. Added Privacy​

Not all security threats are obvious, nor do all robberies involve the theft of a physical object. Data and account theft, along with identity theft, are a real risk for both your business and your customers. Both interior and exterior windows can lead to a risk of such theft.

Concerns

As computer security features improve, some thieves are turning to old fashioned methods. This can include looking through office windows and snapping photos of personal information or payment details when staff are working on a computer or ringing up a customer. This type of theft can be hard to trace, so often major losses have occurred before the affected parties even know the theft happened.

Options

Several types of window films can prevent data theft. Darkly tinted windows provide one option, since they block the view into the building. There are also highly reflective films that prevent photographs thanks to the glare. Both of these types have the added benefit of improving energy efficiency, as well. A third option is graphic films, which provide data privacy and advertise your business.

2. Break-in Prevention

Large retail or office windows can provide a tempting point of quick entry for a burglar. Even those windows that aren't designed to open can be broken. Not just display windows are at risk, either. Glass doors or small pocket windows near the door can also be a break-in risk.

Concerns

No business owner wants to deal with a break-in and theft. Further, broken glass can cause a mess and ruin items inside your building. Yet, the alternative of putting bars or a grate over the window to protect the glass can ruin the curb appeal and appearance of your business. Balancing the need to maintain a welcoming environment while providing ample security is a challenge.

Options

Fortunately, there is a window film option specifically for minimizing break-in risk. Safety films provide sufficient clarity so as not to detract from the windows, but at the same time they reinforce the glass so that it is breakage resistant. If the glass shatters during a break-in attempt, the film holds the glass shards together in a firm sheet so that they stay in place instead of exploding onto the property.  Criminals know there is a very short time window to be able to get in and out before the police arrive. So instead of being able to quickly run in and out, safety film forces the vandal to give up and run away empty handed before getting caught.

3. Vandalism Deterrent 

Vandalism can take several forms. Like the most pervasive type is graffiti, and a business can be a tempting target due to the large blank walls and windows combined with typically being empty at night. Other types of vandalism include shooting out windows or hitting them with heavy objects simply for the sport of breaking the windows. 

Concerns

Graffiti can be more than a nuisance, and it can be difficult to get the paint off the window. Graffiti removers may even etch the glass as some are quite caustic. Broken windows can leave your building open to burglary, as well. Further, obvious signs of vandalism can have the effect of drawing more crime, and sometimes more serious crime. 

Options

There are two types of window films that work well for preventing vandalism. The first is the security film mentioned previously. The second is an anti-graffiti film which acts an a barrier on the outside of the window so when it is tagged, the film simply needs to be replaced at a fraction of the cost of replacing the glass. 
Contact Add Outlook Window Tinting Services for more information.