Business Security Information

On a recent trip, I stopped for gasoline and a snack at a convenience store along the highway.  When I entered the store, I noticed a bulletproof enclosure (also called bandit barriers) had been installed at the cashier’s counter.  It was different from other ones I had seen used in check-cashing businesses and banks in that it moved horizontally. The cashier could simply press a switch, and the bulletproof cashier window would open or close.  During the day when the risk of robbery may be less, the window could be left open.  In this way, interaction with customers could occur more easily, and it did not appear as intimidating to those visiting the convenience store.

The concept of a moveable bulletproof cashier enclosure is unique in that it allows a security measure to be in place when the risk is the highest, but it also allows it to be out of the way when it is not needed.  It can be used in other businesses that are at a higher risk of robbery such as banks and check- cashing facilities, but investment in it should depend on its effectiveness and detailed attention to its implementation.

Effective Use of a Bulletproof Security Enclosures

Bulletproof enclosures can look intimidating to customers, but attention to details can improve security while allowing business to continue as usual.  There were a few things I noticed at the above convenience store which you should consider before installing such an enclosure:

1. The exterior windows behind and on the side of the cashier area were normal glass and provided no protection to the employees.  Even with the front part of the cashier area protected by the bulletproof enclosure, the sides and rear of the cashier area was exposed.  In this case, I would not have spent the money for the cashier enclosure since it did not completely protect  those working there.
2. The door leading to the cashier area had a lock that could easily be broken or bypassed and provided no resistance to bullets.
3. The area of the cashier counter under the bulletproof enclosure was not bullet resistant. These first three issues would allow an attacker or robber to easily shoot someone in the cashier area or gain access to the cashier area.
4. The bulletproof enclosure does not protect other customers in the store and they could easily be held hostage to gain access to the cashier’s area.  Employees must be trained  to handle a robbery as well as to understand the limitations of such a security barrier.

Before spending your time and money on a security barrier, understand their limitations and what other measures you need to include to make such a security barrier effective.  There are numerous companies that produce these type of security barriers.  An internet search can help you find a few in your area if you are interested in learning more.

Let me know if you have used bulletproof enclosures and whether they were an effective security measure.

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