The recent 2019 Retail Crime Survey shows there has been a notable increase in retail burglaries and criminal damages in the UK, costing businesses thousands of pounds in stock losses and damages. As recorded burglaries continue to rise (137% on previous years), it’s never been more important to make sure your business is protected against ‘smash and grab’ break-ins. The installation of high-quality security doors is one of the most effective ways of protecting against these kinds of break-ins.
Protecting your business against forced entry is an investment, but one that will protect your business for the future. The Convenience Store Crime Report notes that the average burglary costs the individual retailer over £7000 in profit loss. The direct cost of crime recorded across the industry stands at just under £900 million per year, an increase of 28% over previous years.
Reflecting growing concerns of the vast increase in organised crime and violent burglaries, the spend on crime prevention across the entire retail industry is at a record level, having exceeded more than £1 billion for the first time. Although usually only considered for warehouses, more and more high street retailers have started adopting high-security steel doors to defend against ‘smash and grab’ attacks.
‘Smash and grab’ thefts are one of the most common attack methods on retailers throughout the sector, from independent and high street retailers to large chains and warehouses. ‘Smash and grab’ thefts are characterised by the violence of the burglars’ forced entry, which often involves the use of power tools, ram-raiding (involving the use of a vehicle) and, in more extreme cases, arson, causing extensive physical damage to the property.
Due to the extent of damage caused by the method of entry in the case of these crimes, they prove highly costly to the victim, sometimes five times more than the other methods of theft. Victims of ‘smash and grab’ attacks are more often targeted which, combined with the damage caused to their existing security systems in place, leaves them, statistically, more vulnerable to future attacks.
Thankfully, ‘smash and grab’ attacks can be prevented by investing in the correct defensive technology and physical security solutions. The installation of higher quality security doors can reduce the likelihood of these crimes dramatically, saving the consequential expense of repairs and product loss, which is proving to be a huge and increasing cost to the industry.
Several of Bradbury Group’s security steel door ranges have been tested against prolonged attacks and the use of power tools – some of the most common methods of ‘smash and grab’ entries. Whether you require reinforced padlocked drop bars, fire resistant doors to withstand arson attacks, or high-security internal doors to protect products of particularly high value, such as jewellery or technology, our doors are made-to-measure and tailored to serve a range of retail infrastructures. Offering a holistic security solution, Bradbury Group also provides certified steel cages, bar sets and window grilles – including the strongest certified window grille on the market, the Eclipse.
Home improvement retailer and garden centre, Wickes, experienced huge losses of stock due to a string of ‘smash and grab’ burglaries. We were able to protect their most vulnerable sites with the installation of certified security doors with LPCB accreditation to LPS 1175: Issue 7 Security Rating 3.
So far, a total of 15 sites across the UK have been enhanced by the installation of our M2M3 security doors, which provide an impenetrable barrier in even the most extreme circumstances, including prolonged attacks. Our doors proved too strong for the thieves to gain access when they attempted further burglaries and ram-raids on the store. Unsuccessful in their many attempts, the doors withstood powerful impacts and acted as a successful deterrent against ‘smash and grab’ attacks on Wickes.
The rise in ‘smash and grab’ attempts are not only limited to the retail sector, but extend across many other different industries, too. The popular fast-food chain, McDonald’s has also fallen victim to ‘smash and grab’ crimes, prompting the company to invest in new external security doors nationwide.
Following a consultation with the client, it was decided that our M2M2 range was the ideal solution for them. Meeting ‘Secured by Design’ specifications, the official UK Police flagship initiative, and certified by the LPCB to LPS 1175: Issue 7 Security Rating 2, these doors were engineered not only to withstand ‘smash and grab’ attempts, but also any future damage caused by their steel cages through the addition of a safety bumper. In keeping with the architecture of the new design of the restaurants, our steel doors provide a stylish, physical security solution that fulfils the needs of our client.
Having provided bespoke security steel doors to various industries throughout the UK, we have extensive experience and a proven track record of delivering solutions that help to prevent ‘smash and grab’ crimes. Sadly, many retailers only act when they have been targeted by criminals but, by taking immediate action to ensure your business is physically protected with the correct security doors, ‘smash and grab’ incidents could be effectively prevented.
Additionally, in the unfortunate event of successful ‘smash and grab’ break-ins, we offer an emergency security door service, using our M2MGO steel door. This prioritised express service provides your business with a made-to-measure replacement security door which is manufactured and ready for collection or delivery within just three working days.
When were your security doors last checked? If you’re worried about the security of your business and think it’s time for an upgrade, or if you would like to learn more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team. As the nation’s leading provider of steel doors and physical security solutions, we promise that both our products and service are of the highest possible quality, so we can both rest soundly knowing your business has the best possible protection. That’s your door, your way, the Bradbury Way.
