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.
For further information contact:
WFAANZ
phone: +61 2 9498 5241
fax: +61 2 9498 3816
web: www.wfaanz.org.au
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