Smash-and-Grab Prevention for Watch Shops 2026: Security Measures That Actually Work

Smash-and-grab attacks are fast, violent, and over in seconds. This guide covers the practical security measures that actually slow down attackers and protect your inventory, plus what to do when prevention fails.

Here's what we'll cover:

• How smash-and-grab attacks actually work
• Window and glass protection options
• Showcase and display security
• Fog and smoke systems
• Staff protocols and response
• What coverage looks like after an attack

How Smash-and-Grab Attacks Work

Understanding the attack helps you defend against it. Most smash-and-grab raids follow a predictable pattern:

Typical timeline:

• 0-5 seconds: Entry (break glass or force door)
• 5-30 seconds: Grab (sweep display cases)
• 30-60 seconds: Exit (flee before response)

Total time on premises: usually under 60 seconds.

Attackers target speed over completeness. They grab what's visible and accessible, then leave. They're not picking locks or cracking safes. They're smashing glass and running.

What Attackers Target

• Front window displays (most vulnerable)
• Unlocked showcases near entrance
• High-value items visible from outside
• Stores with clear escape routes

What Deters Attackers

• Multiple barriers (not just glass)
• Time delays (anything that slows them)
• Visibility reduction (can't grab what you can't see)
• Active response (alarms, fog, staff action)

Window and Glass Protection

Your front windows are the primary entry point. Standard glass shatters instantly. You need layers of protection.

Security Film

Security film is a thick polyester layer applied to existing glass. It holds shattered glass together, forcing attackers to cut or pry through rather than simply breaking and entering.

Film Type	Thickness	Protection Level	Cost (per sqm)
4 mil (100 micron)	0.1mm	Basic fragment retention	$30-50 / RM100-180
8 mil (200 micron)	0.2mm	Standard smash protection	$50-80 / RM180-300
12 mil (300 micron)	0.3mm	Enhanced protection	$80-120 / RM300-450
15+ mil (375+ micron)	0.375mm+	High security	$120-200 / RM450-750

For jewellery retail, use 12 mil minimum. 8 mil is better than nothing, but determined attackers can breach it in 10-15 seconds.

Installation Matters

Security film must be:

• Applied by professionals (bubbles and gaps reduce effectiveness)
• Anchored to the frame (film alone can be peeled)
• Combined with edge sealing (prevents prying)

DIY installation saves money but provides significantly less protection.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer bonded between glass panels. It's more effective than film but requires window replacement.

Glass Type	Composition	Protection Level
Standard laminated	3mm glass + 0.38mm PVB + 3mm glass	Basic forced entry protection
Security laminated	6mm glass + 1.52mm PVB + 6mm glass	Significant barrier (30+ seconds)
High-security laminated	Multiple layers, thick PVB	Resists sustained attack

For new fit-outs or renovations, laminated glass is worth the investment. For existing premises, security film is the practical retrofit.

Roller Shutters and Grilles

Physical barriers provide the strongest protection but affect aesthetics and customer experience.

Options:

• Roller shutters: Solid aluminum or steel, blocks view completely
• Security grilles: Lattice pattern, allows visibility
• Transparent polycarbonate shutters: Modern option, maintains visibility

Most jewellery shops use shutters after hours and rely on glass protection during business hours.

Showcase and Display Security

Even if attackers breach your windows, secure showcases create another barrier.

Showcase Lock Types

Lock Type	Security Level	Notes
Simple cam lock	Low	Easily forced, minimal deterrent
Plunger lock	Low-Medium	Better than cam, still vulnerable
Showcase bolt lock	Medium	Requires more force to breach
Multi-point locking	High	Locks at multiple points along door
Electronic lock	High	Can integrate with alarm, audit trail

Showcase Glass

The glass in your showcases should also be protected:

• Tempered glass: Stronger than regular, but shatters completely when breached
• Laminated showcase glass: Best option, holds together when struck
• Polycarbonate panels: Nearly unbreakable, but can scratch

For high-value display, laminated glass showcases are worth the investment.

Display Quantity Limits

The most effective protection is limiting what's at risk. Common practices:

• Window displays: Show 3-5 pieces maximum, rotate frequently
• Showcase limits: No more than 10-15 pieces per case
• High-value limits: Pieces over certain value (e.g., RM50,000) stay in safe until shown
• End-of-day protocol: All window displays to safe at closing

Less in the display means less at risk. Simple but effective.

Fog and Smoke Security Systems

Security fog systems fill your premises with dense, non-toxic fog within seconds of activation. Attackers can't grab what they can't see.

How Fog Systems Work

1. Alarm triggers (break-in detected) 2. Fog generator activates 3. Premises fills with dense fog in 10-30 seconds 4. Visibility drops to near zero 5. Attackers can't locate or grab inventory

The fog is disorienting and forces attackers to flee or stumble blindly.

Fog System Options

System Type	Fill Time	Coverage	Cost Range
Compact unit	15-30 seconds	50-100 sqm	$2,000-4,000 / RM7,000-15,000
Standard retail unit	10-20 seconds	100-200 sqm	$4,000-8,000 / RM15,000-30,000
High-output system	5-15 seconds	200+ sqm	$8,000-15,000 / RM30,000-55,000

Fog System Considerations

Pros:

• Highly effective at stopping smash-and-grab
• Non-toxic and safe
• Can be triggered manually or automatically
• Psychological deterrent if advertised

Cons:

• Triggers fire alarm in some buildings
• Mall management may have restrictions
• Needs regular maintenance and fluid refills
• False triggers are disruptive

Check with your landlord and building management before installing. Some malls prohibit fog systems due to fire alarm integration issues.

Staff Protocols and Response

Your staff's actions during an attack affect both safety and outcome.

During an Attack: Staff Safety First

Primary rule: Don't resist. No watch is worth a life. Train staff to:

1. Stay calm and don't confront attackers 2. Move away from the attack point 3. Trigger panic alarm if safe to do so 4. Remember details (number of attackers, appearance, escape direction) 5. Don't chase or follow attackers

Panic Button Protocols

Every shop should have panic buttons:

• Location: Under counter, in back office, near safe
• Type: Silent alarm to CMS (not audible)
• Training: All staff know location and how to activate
• Testing: Monthly tests to confirm function

Post-Attack Immediate Steps

After attackers leave:

1. Ensure all staff are safe and uninjured 2. Call police immediately (999 in Malaysia, 999 in Singapore) 3. Do not touch or move anything (preserve evidence) 4. Secure the premises if safe to do so 5. Review CCTV while waiting for police 6. Contact your insurer/coverage provider

Witness Documentation

While waiting for police, document:

• Exact time of attack
• Number of attackers
• Physical descriptions (height, build, clothing, distinguishing features)
• Weapons or tools used
• Vehicle description and direction of escape
• What was taken (preliminary assessment)

What Coverage Looks Like After an Attack

If prevention fails, your stock protection kicks in. Here's what to expect:

Window Smash Coverage

"Window smash" or "smash-and-grab" is typically a defined coverage category. It covers:

• Stock taken during the attack
• Damage to premises (windows, showcases, fixtures)
• Business interruption in some cases

Documentation Requirements

You'll need to provide:

• Police report (filed immediately)
• CCTV footage of the incident
• Inventory records showing what was taken
• Photos of damage
• Witness statements

What Affects Your Claim

Factors that matter:

• Were security measures in place? Alarm armed, showcases locked, display limits followed
• Were protocols followed? Staff didn't leave shop unattended, proper closing procedures
• Is documentation complete? Can you prove what was taken?

Good security doesn't just prevent attacks. It also demonstrates you took reasonable precautions, which matters for claims.

Security Checklist for Smash-and-Grab Prevention

Measure	Priority	Status
Security film on front windows (12+ mil)	Critical	☐
Roller shutters for after hours	Critical	☐
Showcase locks (multi-point or electronic)	Critical	☐
Window display quantity limits	Critical	☐
Panic buttons installed and tested	Critical	☐
Staff trained on attack protocols	Critical	☐
CCTV covering entry points and displays	Critical	☐
Fog/smoke system installed	High	☐
Laminated showcase glass	High	☐
High-value items in safe until shown	High	☐
End-of-day display clearing procedure	High	☐

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is security film against smash-and-grab?

12 mil security film can add 30-60 seconds to breach time. That's significant when attacks typically last under 60 seconds total. Film won't stop a determined attacker, but it slows them down and may cause them to abort. Professional installation with frame anchoring is essential.

Are fog systems worth the investment for jewellery shops?

Yes, for most standalone shops. Fog systems are highly effective at stopping smash-and-grab because attackers can't grab what they can't see. However, check with building management first. Some malls prohibit them due to fire alarm integration issues.

What should staff do during a smash-and-grab attack?

Stay safe and don't resist. Move away from attackers, trigger panic alarm if safe to do so, and observe details for police. No piece of inventory is worth risking injury. After attackers leave, call police immediately and preserve the scene.

How much should I limit window displays?

Display 3-5 pieces maximum in front windows. Rotate pieces regularly. Keep total window display value under your acceptable risk threshold. Many dealers limit window displays to 10-20% of their lowest coverage limit.

Does having security measures affect my coverage?

Yes. Good security measures demonstrate you took reasonable precautions, which matters for claims. Some arrangements have specific requirements (e.g., security film, shutters, display limits). Check your requirements and document compliance.

What's the most cost-effective smash-and-grab protection?

Security film (12 mil) combined with strict display quantity limits. This costs RM2,000-5,000 for film installation and zero for display discipline. Add roller shutters for after-hours protection. This basic combination addresses most smash-and-grab risk without major investment.

Should I advertise that I have fog security?

Opinion varies. Some believe advertising deters attackers. Others worry it signals you have high-value inventory worth protecting. If you do advertise, use generic "premises protected by security fog" rather than brand names that could help attackers research countermeasures.

How do I choose between security film and laminated glass?

For existing premises, security film is the practical choice. It's retrofittable and cost-effective. For new fit-outs or major renovations, laminated glass provides better protection and should be specified from the start. Both are better than standard glass.

MINT Conclusion

Smash-and-grab attacks are fast and violent, but they're also predictable. Attackers follow a pattern: break in, grab fast, get out. Every barrier you add disrupts that pattern and reduces what they can take.

The best protection combines physical barriers (film, locks, shutters) with operational discipline (display limits, clearing procedures) and response capability (alarms, fog, staff protocols). No single measure is enough, but layers of protection make attacks harder and less rewarding.

When prevention fails, good security measures and documentation make the claims process smoother. You can demonstrate you took reasonable precautions and prove what was taken.

MINT works with dealers who understand that security and coverage work together. When you're ready to discuss how your security setup affects your protection options, we're here to help.

Speak with a MINT advisor