The most effective way to protect windows from vandalism is to add a physical layer that takes the impact instead of the glass, or replace vulnerable glazing with a stronger security product. Perforated security screens, clear polycarbonate glazing, retractable grilles and roller shutters all protect windows in different ways.

The right option depends on whether the windows need protection all day, how much natural light and visibility you want to keep, and whether the main risk is vandalism, forced entry or both.

Why Are Windows Vulnerable to Vandalism?

Windows are an obvious target because glass can be damaged quickly and the result is immediately visible. Repeated vandalism creates more than the cost of a replacement pane: there can also be temporary boarding, clean-up, disruption and the need to secure the building while repairs are arranged.

If the same windows are being targeted repeatedly, it is usually more effective to change the level of protection than to keep replacing standard glazing.

What Is the Best Way to Protect Windows From Vandalism?

There is no single best product for every building. The strongest choice depends on the balance between security, appearance and how the windows need to function.

Option	How it protects	Light / visibility	Typical use
Crimeshield perforated screens	A metal screen takes impact before it reaches the glass	Over 60% of natural light retained	Schools, offices, factories, shops and places of worship
Hammerglass	Clear polycarbonate replaces vulnerable glazing	High clarity, similar appearance to regular glazing	Shop fronts and buildings where appearance matters
Hammerglass Window Guard	Clear panel protects existing glazing	Clear view retained	Where the existing window needs to stay in place
Retractable security grilles	Internal steel grille creates a barrier when closed	Views remain partly open	Shops, homes and commercial premises
Roller shutters	Physical shutter curtain covers the opening	No view through a solid shutter when closed	Strong out-of-hours window and door protection

How Do Anti-Vandal Screens Protect Windows?

Crimeshield is a perforated metal security screen fitted in front of or behind existing windows. The screen takes the impact from blows, rocks and even air-gun pellets before it reaches the glass.

From a distance, Crimeshield gives the impression of tinted glazing. Close up, the metal screen is visible and acts as a deterrent. WSS states that the system allows over 60% of natural light into the building and is manufactured to suit individual panes while maintaining full use of opening windows.

That combination makes perforated anti-vandal screens particularly useful in schools and other occupied buildings where permanent protection is needed without making rooms dark.

At Briscoe Lane Academy, Crimeshield was installed after years of repeated vandalism. The school retained views, natural light and the ability to open the windows fully during lessons.

Can You Replace Glass With Something Much Stronger?

Yes. Hammerglass is a clear polycarbonate glazing system designed as a stronger alternative to conventional glass.

WSS describes Hammerglass as 300 times stronger than normal glass and virtually unbreakable. Its surface coating is resistant to most chemicals and provides 99.96% UV protection to help prevent the clouding that can affect standard polycarbonate.

Because it is clear and designed to retain the appearance of ordinary glazing, Hammerglass suits shop fronts and other buildings where security needs to improve without adding an obvious external grille.

For buildings that need insulated glazing, Hammerglass Insulate is available in double and triple-glazed configurations. Where the existing glazing needs to remain, Hammerglass Window Guard can be fitted in front of it.

Should You Use Shutters or Grilles Instead?

Shutters and retractable grilles are particularly useful when windows mainly need stronger protection outside opening hours.

Roller shutters create a tough physical barrier across windows or doors and can be fitted internally or externally. When closed, they also provide a strong visible deterrent.

Retractable security grilles are fitted internally and can be drawn across vulnerable windows when the building is closed, then retracted out of the way when access and visibility are needed.

For a shop front, remember that an external shutter or grille can need planning permission. Check with the local planning authority before installing an external system.

Which Window Protection Suits Different Buildings?

For schools and community buildings, permanent perforated screens are often a good balance because they protect the glazing while allowing natural light and opening-window functionality.

For shops, clear security glazing can keep displays visible and maintain the appearance of the frontage. Internal retractable grilles or shutters can then add an additional barrier outside trading hours.

For offices, factories and places of worship with large areas of existing glazing, Crimeshield can protect the original windows without requiring every pane to be replaced.

For homes, clear security glazing, Window Guard, grilles or roller shutters can all be considered depending on how visible you want the security measure to be and whether protection is needed permanently or only at certain times.

Other Ways to Reduce Vandalism Around Windows

Physical window protection is most effective when it is supported by sensible measures around the building.

• Improve external lighting around vulnerable elevations and entrances.
• Use visible CCTV where appropriate and make sure cameras cover the areas most often targeted.
• Remove loose bricks, stones, bins or other objects that could be thrown or used for climbing.
• Keep hedges and planting cut back so vulnerable windows remain visible from surrounding areas.
• Repair damage and remove graffiti promptly so the property does not appear neglected.
• Report incidents and keep photographs or records, particularly where damage is repeated.

What to Do If Your Windows Are Vandalised

1. Keep people away from broken glazing and other immediate hazards.
2. Photograph the damage before clean-up or temporary repairs where it is safe to do so.
3. Report the incident to the police. Use 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate danger; otherwise use the appropriate non-emergency reporting route.
4. Contact your insurer and follow any instructions they give you about documenting and securing the damage.
5. Secure the opening so the broken window does not create an easy access point.
6. Review whether the window now needs a permanent protective screen, stronger glazing, grille or shutter rather than another like-for-like replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will anti-vandal screens make rooms dark?

Crimeshield is designed to retain natural light. WSS states that its perforated screens allow over 60% of natural light into the building while maintaining good visibility from inside.

Can windows still open with Crimeshield fitted?

Yes. WSS states that Crimeshield is made to suit individual panes while maintaining full use of opening windows. The Briscoe Lane Academy installation also allowed classroom windows to open fully.

Is Hammerglass really unbreakable?

The accurate description is ‘virtually unbreakable’. WSS describes Hammerglass as 300 times stronger than normal glass, giving it much greater impact resistance while retaining a clear appearance.

Can window security reduce insurance costs?

It can in some cases, particularly where an insurer recognises the security specification being installed. Every insurer has its own requirements, so check the policy requirements before choosing a product if insurance recognition is important.

Protect Vulnerable Windows Before Damage Happens Again

If windows are repeatedly targeted, the most effective long-term approach is to protect the glazing rather than repeatedly replace it. Crimeshield, Hammerglass, retractable grilles and roller shutters each offer a different balance of security, visibility and appearance.

Window Security Solutions has supplied and installed window security since 1999 and provides nationwide survey and installation. Get an instant quote or call 0161 413 0766 for advice on the right option for your building.