Security film on home and workplace glass enhances security and increases safety. Glass breaks in smash-and-grab break-ins every day. Windows shatter, belongings vanish, buildings sustain damage. You need protection against those sudden threats. A strong solution lies in using security film. This article explores how security film improves safety. It shows real statistics in Edmonton. It explains how security film works. It guides you in choosing the level of film and pairing it with other security measures.
Edmonton Smash-and-Grab Risks: Local Statistics
Edmonton faces growing risk from glass-smash break-ins. Commercial stores suffer from many incidents. Homes also endure break-and-enters. One recent series hit beauty supply stores multiple times. A suspect broke in 35 times from March to June 2025. Police estimate losses between $70,000 and $80,000 in stolen goods. Edmonton Police Service
Small businesses feel the impact too. In one building in west Edmonton, two break-ins within ten days left owners reeling (CityNews Edmonton). Condo and apartment towers in central Edmonton saw thefts across several units after suspects marked doorframes with glue (CityNews Edmonton).
In Alberta RCMP jurisdictions, there were 4,516 reports of break-and-enters to businesses in 2023. The summer months saw among the highest numbers (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). Nearly half of small businesses in Alberta say crime and safety issues affected them in 2024, up from about 24% in 2023 to 45% (Global News).
It is no wonder security is a growing concern. Often, thieves smash windows or doors. Glass doors, or the windows next to the door, door lights, are the target. They create easy entry, next to the lock. They break the glass to get inside. These break-ins happen frequently enough in Edmonton that they merit serious prevention.
How Security Film Helps Against Smash-and-Grab Incidents
What security film does
Security film holds glass together even if someone shatters it. The film adheres to glass surfaces. It prevents shards from flying everywhere. Intruders cannot simply push through broken glass. The barrier slows them down.
That extra time frustrates smash-and-grab thieves. It gives you more time to capture them on camera, trigger an alarm, or get help. Security film does not stop impact entirely. It prevents immediate collapse. And the chaos that follows with a hole to the outside elements.
Why combining security film with other security measures matters
Security film works best when included in a wider security plan. Doorbell or security cameras let you monitor entrances. Alarms warn when glass breaks. Motion sensors detect movement. Good lighting deters thieves before they reach windows or glass doors.
Security film ensures your building won’t be entered without significant effort. But cameras, alarms, locks, security film together multiply protection. One without the others leaves weak spots.
The goal is to instill panic in a would-be thief, so they will leave the scene entirely.
Choosing the Right Security Film
Different levels of security film are available
Security film comes in multiple thicknesses and strength levels. Some films resist mild impacts. Others withstand powerful impacts, like bomb blasts. Choose a level and budget suited to your risk environment.
The most popular option remains 7/8 mil film. It balances clarity, strength, and cost. A 7/8 mil film gives enough tear-resistance for many break-in attempts. It resists ordinary hits and slow force applied to the glass. It doesn’t require strengthening frames or unsightly additional caulking or fixtures.
Invisible protection and cosmetic benefits
Good security film stays nearly invisible. It keeps the original look of your windows. It does not change appearance noticeably. It does not discolor. It offers UV protection so interior finishes and furniture won’t fade. It preserves your view, your design, your light.
If glare or heat becomes an issue, you can add tint or frost on the other side of the windows. That lets you control sunlight or privacy without sacrificing the benefits of security film.
Installing Security Film: Best Practices
Where to apply security film
Apply security film on windows at street level and glass doors. Cover display windows in shops. Use it on side or rear windows that criminals might access. Also use on glass panes in doors or sidelights. Apartment common area glass and vehicle-facing glass should be considered as well.
How to ensure effectiveness
ReflecTech use quality film from a reputable supplier. Install properly. Use strong adhesive. Make sure edges are sealed and film is bonded well to frame. If film-plus-laminate layers exist, use correct thickness. If framing is weak, reinforce framing too.
Regularly inspect film condition. Replace if peeling, bubbling, or damaged. Maintain visibility through clean film. Clean with manufacturer-recommended methods so you don’t damage it.
Hidden Security Film Features That Benefit Homes and Workplaces
Protection from UV damage
Security film blocks UV rays. That protects your furniture, carpets, and artwork. It prevents fading of fabrics and finishes. Security film helps preserve interior finishes, especially near windows with sun exposure.
Nearly invisible protection
Because security film remains clear, people rarely notice it. It doesn’t blur the glass. It doesn’t change color. Architects, business owners, and homeowners can preserve aesthetic appeal. The windows look normal, but have enhanced protection and safety.
Adding Glare and Sun Control to Security Film
If sunshine creates glare or heat, you can add tinted or frosted film over security film. Security film must be the layer closest to the glass. Directly on the glass. Frost, tint, and perforated film can be added over the security film.
Security film is always applied to the interior panes. If your windows already have tint or frost on the inside, ReflecTech can remove them. After the security film is installed, we are able to replace the other layers (frost and tint). However, if you have tint, frost or graphics on the exterior, they don’t need to be touched.
You gain the look on your home or business that you desire, with the benefit of enhanced protection, security and safety.
Why Homes Need Security Film Too
Homes suffer break-ins often
Residential break-ins occur often in Edmonton. People leave windows unlocked or ignore glass vulnerabilities. Thieves break glass, unlock the door from inside. Sometimes they smash windows and reach in. Or climb through sliding glass doors.
Residents report apartment thefts after units lie vacant or lightly secured. In central Edmonton, multiple unit break-ins have appeared in recent summer series. (CityNews Edmonton)
Homes with large glass surfaces (patio doors, large windows) experience more risk. Thieves find those easier to access. Every glass surface becomes a potential weak point.
Homes combine security film with other safety measures
Security film on home windows plus security cameras, alarms, doorbell cameras, strong locks protect well. Lighting helps. Neighborhood watch programs help too. Security film makes a big difference by preventing instant access. That forces intruders to put in more effort. Often enough effort to scare them off or alert others.
Why Workplaces Should Use Security Film
Business break-ins cost heavily
Businesses in Edmonton lost tens of thousands in store merchandise in break-enter thefts. One suspect stole $70-80k in beauty supply store goods after multiple glass-smash entries. Edmonton Police Service Business owners repair shattered windows or doors repeatedly. They lose business during repairs and after break-ins. They face insurance premium hikes. CityNews Edmonton
Maintaining image and safety
Workplaces benefit from clean, intact appearance. Broken windows send poor message. They reduce customer confidence. They invite more vandalism. Security film keeps glass together even when smashed. That means less risk of shards falling, less injury, faster cleanup. The building appearance stays better until repaired.
Also protects interior finishes and furniture from UV damage.
Common Myths About Security Film
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Security film looks ugly or obvious | The film remains nearly invisible. You won’t notice it unless you look very closely. |
| Security film alone stops all forced entry | Film slows entry. Combined with locks, alarms, cameras, it blocks most smash-and-grabs. But film alone cannot always resist sustained or heavy mechanical attack. |
| Security film discolors glass | High-quality film, especially around 7 mil thickness, includes UV block so it does not discolor glass or interior finishes. |
| Security film will fix weak frames Security film can stop bullets | Film adheres to glass. It does not strengthen the frame itself. You must ensure the frame and mounting are solid. Security film can not stop bullets; for that, you require bulletproof glass. |
How to Be Proactive: Steps Ahead
Assess risk in your location. Identify windows or glass doors exposed to the highest risk.
Choose a film level such as the popular 7 mil security film.
Combine with other security tools. Install cameras, alarms, motion detection, and lighting. Use strong locks. Secure frames.
Maintain everything. Test alarms, inspect windows, and fix frame damage. Recalibrate cameras.
Train occupants or staff. Teach people to lock doors, shut windows, and respond to alarms. Make security part of daily routines.
Security Film Installation Experts
ReflecTech security film installations have been protecting homes and workplaces for 30+ years. Security film keeps glass together after impact. It slows smash-and-grab criminals. It reduces damage, injury, and loss. In Edmonton, break-and-enter events, especially those broken by glass smash-ins, happen often enough to demand preventive action.
Use the most popular 7/8 mil film. It provides UV protection. It remains nearly invisible. Add tint or frost if heat or glare bothers you. Pair security film with cameras, alarms, and lighting. That combined approach ensures high safety with minimal change to appearance. You can sleep more easily. Your building stays safer.
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