Business Security Information

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article called “Bulletproof Enclosures” where I discussed movable bandit barriers or bulletproof enclosures.  Just today I read about a different but very similar type of robbery security measure called a security screen.  The concept is very similar to the movable bulletproof enclosure, but different in that it is a bullet-resistant metal wall.

The wall is made of carbon steel that is encased with an anti-ricochet, composite, bullet-resistant material.  Also, this type of robbery barrier is actually installed in the counter where customers cannot see it and when activated, rises to the top of the counter opening, providing a barrier between the employee(s) and the robber(s).  When the metal screen is activated, a sign appears on the side of the screen facing the robber(s) stating that the alarm has been activated, and the police will arrive shortly.

SAFETELL states that the metal wall can be completely closed within a half of a second after it has been activated.  The mini-mart where the metal screen was installed is in the United States, but the company’s (SAFETELL) offices are in the United Kingdom (UK).  The owner of the store where the wall was installed had considered the movable bulletproof enclosures like I discussed in my previous article but decided on the the bullet-resistant metal screen because it would keep his employees safe as well as provide an open and friendly atmosphere for his customers.

When activated, pneumatics are used to lift the bullet resistant screen into place.  The bullet resistant screen can be activated by one of several buttons located in the employee area.  Also, this particular store has some dollar bills tied into radio devices that activate the bullet-resistant screen when the money is removed.  This particular store also installed bulletproof glass in the exterior windows of the cashier area of the store.  This addresses the first issue I noted in the Bulletproof Enclosure article.  Refer to this previous article for other security details you must consider no matter if you want to install a bullet-resistant screen or a movable bulletproof enclosure.

There are limitations to any security measure so make sure you research anything you plan to implement.  The bullet-resistant security screen is just a different version of the bulletproof enclosures I have discussed in the previous article.  In making security decisions, I would always look at the cost versus the function.  In this case, both barriers appear to provide the same type of protection.  One is installed above the counter and comes down during the high risk hours where the SAFETELL product stays hidden until it is needed no matter the time of day or night.  Understand your security risks and needs prior to implementing either type of bandit barrier.

Related posts:

1. Bulletproof Enclosures
2. Key Storage
3. You Survived a Robbery – Now What?