Safety film to foil thieves by WFAANZ

Pharmacies are a prime target for smash and grab thieves wanting to steal prescription drugs and money. Proprietors of pharmacies and other retail outlets are taking precautions against after-hours theft by bolstering security. New, inexpensive measures are available that don't entail hi-tech alarm systems or round-the-clock security guards.

Earlier this month, a thief trying to break into the Golden Beach Pharmacy on the Sunshine Coast could not smash the shop front glass to gain entry because of the security film fitted to the window. The thief damaged the glass by hitting it repeatedly with a metal bar, and while small holes were made, the shattered pieces of glass were held together thanks to the security film that had been applied years before. This meant there was no way the frustrated burglar could enter the store.

A steel bar was found inside the pharmacy, indicating the thief used so much force while bashing the glass they lost control of it through a puncture hole. An impression of a boot or shoe in the glass suggested the thief may have kicked the window in one final attempt before running away empty handed.

After the attack local window film installation company, Home Tint, working through Aussie Emergency Glass, was asked to reapply security film to the pharmacy window. Aussie Emergency Glass repaired the window the day after the break in, immediately after the glass was fingerprinted by police. Home Tint installed the security film two days later.

Brad Sugden from Home Tint comments, "The security film quite likely saved the owners of the pharmacy thousands of dollars in stolen or ruined stock, loss of trade and damage to the store itself.
"Attempts to break through the glass like this are quite common," continues Brad, "...as glass is perceived as the weakest point in a store or home's defences. Security film holds the shattered shards together and prevents immediate ingress in the event of a break-in attempt, storm damage or accident. So not only is the building and its contents protected, but also its inhabitants."

A lightly tinted security film was fitted to the Golden Beach Pharmacy to reduce glare and heat into the shop, but with high clarity so pedestrians could still clearly see the displays inside. All window films provide nearly 100% UV light reduction.

Home Tint is a member of the Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand (WFAANZ), and therefore abides by an industry code of practice and offers a minimum 10 year warranty on all commercial film applications. Safety and security films are available throughout Australia. Visit www.wfaanz.org.au for a list of installers located near you or for links to film manufacturer websites.