As retail crime continues to rise across Australia, shopfront security has become a critical concern for landlords, centre managers and retailers alike. Benton Duthie, Head of B2B Property at O’Brien Glass, explores the growing risks faced by retail properties — and the proactive, design-conscious solutions now available to help safeguard people, premises and peace of mind.
As someone who has spent more than six years working with retail property owners, landlords and centre managers, I understand the pressures that come with balancing customer experience, tenant satisfaction and operational resilience. But in recent years, one issue has sharply climbed the priority list for many of us: security.
Break-ins, vandalism and forced entry attempts are more than just statistics. They disrupt business and shake the confidence of tenants, staff and customers. That’s why at O’Brien Glass, we’ve channelled our expertise into developing the O’Brien Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution — a smarter and stronger front line for your retail property.
The modern shopping centre has evolved into more than just a retail destination; it’s a community hub. However, as foot traffic increases and trading hours extend, the opportunity for after-hours crime can also rise.
We’ve seen it firsthand: smash-and-grab and ram-raid incidents targeting all types of tenants and retail products. These aren’t isolated acts; they highlight the increasing risks faced by businesses today.
It’s no longer enough to rely on alarms and CCTV alone. Today’s intruders are more brazen, better equipped — and they don’t discriminate. That’s why I see more business owners and operators asking themselves: Is my property secure? And increasingly, they’re turning to us for answers.
Making your shopfront safer
At O’Brien, we don’t just fix broken glass; we provide security glass and solutions that support peace of mind. Our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution is the perfect example: It’s designed to deter, defend and delay unauthorised entry, using a combination of toughened structural elements and high-performance glazing.
Let’s start with your glass…
At the core of our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution is Anti-Bandit Glass — a standout in its class. This is more than just thick glass. It is engineered to help resist penetration and delay forced entry, including attacks with objects commonly used in break-ins, such as hammers, bricks or crowbars — giving your property crucial time for security systems or police response to activate.
This glass is more commonly used in retail locations that demand an extra layer of protection: shopping centre entrances, tech stores, fashion retailers in urban areas, pharmacies and ATMs.
When it comes to securing properties, glass can sometimes be the weakest link. Traditional shopfront glass, while visually appealing, offers little resistance to a determined intruder. Upgrading to a security glazing solution is a cost-effective way to reduce risk and, in some cases, insurance premiums too.
Security with style
Being secure doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. The solution works to maintain a professional, welcoming aesthetic, because security should be seamless, not intimidating.
It’s not just about glass; we take it a level further. Our Anti-Intruder Entrance Solution combines the Anti-Bandit Glass with durable aluminium framing for structural integrity, high-security interlocking mechanisms and a seamless design that maintains a modern aesthetic.
We tailor each installation to suit the exact needs of your property, tenants and layout. The solution offers custom configurations for doors, side windows and full shopfronts. Every component is compliant with Australian standards and comes with project management from quote to completion.
It’s business as usual
One concern I often hear from shopping centre executives is, “Will this disrupt trade?” The simple answer is no. We specialise in end-to-end project management and can work around your operating hours, often having our expert glaziers complete installations after hours or in stages to minimise impact. Whether you manage a single retail outlet, a regional centre, a neighbourhood strip, or a high-density precinct, our team can assess, advise and install with minimal disruption to you and your business.
Always here for you
We offer 24/7 call centre support for make-safe and emergency glass repairs — ready to make the space safe and restore security quickly. With a nationwide network and locally based expert glaziers, we can typically respond when and where you need us.
We stand by our commitment to quality and are also proud to recycle our glass waste, support local communities and hold ourselves to the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
Our team is ready to help. We’ll assess risk, plan your upgrade and install a solution that delivers security and confidence, day and night. Because in today’s world, safety and style go hand-in-hand.
To learn more, visit obrien.com.au, or call 13 16 16.
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