The Challenge: Break-in Prevention Without Compromising Aesthetics
After losing two vehicles and dealer plates in a previous break-in, a Northern Illinois business owner needed an auto dealership security solution that wouldn’t compromise his showroom’s upscale appearance.
Like many dealerships in the area, they had experienced multiple theft attempts, with criminals targeting their high-end inventory and dealer plates, which can be used to disguise stolen vehicles.
“In this industry, architectural designs prioritize open, inviting spaces with large windows. Dealerships want you to see the cars and get excited,” explains Dave Trudeau from Clear Armor. “But this makes buildings vulnerable to smash-and-grab prevention challenges. Someone can spend a whole day with salesmen walking around, figuring out the ins and outs of the dealership.”
The Solution: High-Impact Glass for Auto Dealership Security
Security Assessment
After receiving a referral from another luxury dealership, Clear Armor conducted a comprehensive dealership safety assessment, identifying two key vulnerabilities:
- Extensive glass surfaces throughout the showroom, vulnerable to forced entry attempts
- Unprotected garage doors susceptible to vehicle drive-through theft
Implementation
Clear Armor recommended and installed:
- SL-15 Security Laminate on all glass surfaces to protect against forced entry.
- Window tinting to help deter people from seeing what’s behind the glass.
- Removable security bollards in front of garage doors to block vehicle access.
The entire installation was completed in just two days while the dealership remained open for business.
The Break-in Attempt: Security Glass Laminate Holds Firm
Shortly after installation, security cameras captured three men attempting a smash-and-grab at the dealership:
The business owner watched remotely, astounded. The perpetrators arrived in a vehicle with dealer plates, suggesting a premeditated attack. Armed with a framing hammer, they spent 20 minutes trying to break through the showroom glass!
“They watched the video afterward and just laughed,” recalls Dave from Clear Armor. “They were just so grateful that our commercial security solution worked so flawlessly. They have a lot of incredibly expensive vehicles in there.”
Despite relentless strikes, the criminals were unable to breach the glass fortified with our security laminate. Frustrated, they moved to a side window, thinking it might be weaker. But again, the forced entry resistance held firm. The dealership’s security system alerted staff, who immediately contacted the police. Realizing their efforts were futile, the perpetrators abandoned their attempt and took off empty-handed.
Measurable Results: Proven Theft Protection
Immediate Benefits
- Protected premises
- Prevented inventory loss
- Maintained showroom aesthetics with invisible security
- Frame damage repaired and laminate replaced at no cost under Clear Armor’s 10-year warranty
Long-term Value
- Dealership now actively evangelizes Clear Armor’s high-impact glass solutions to other dealers
- Peace of mind with proven auto dealership security effectiveness
- No disruption to the appointment-only business model
Why Auto Dealerships Need Enhanced Security
“Every dealership we’ve worked with has had at least two or three break-ins before contacting us,” notes Clear Armor’s team. “Most get broken into through service windows or lobby entrances. Some audacious criminals aren’t afraid to drive a car right through the front doors.”
Common security challenges for dealerships include:
- Large glass surfaces required for showcasing inventory
- High-value vehicles on premises
- Coveted dealer plates that perpetrators can grab to disguise stolen vehicles
- Need to balance smash-and-grab prevention with an upscale image
- Traditional alarms often fail to stop smash-and-grab theft
Clear Armor’s Unique Advantage
- Custom Security Assessment: Complimentary evaluation of facility vulnerabilities
- Invisible Protection: Maintains showroom aesthetics while providing superior auto dealership security
- Rapid Installation: Most projects completed in 2-3 days
- Comprehensive Warranty: 10-year coverage, including free replacement after damage from security breaches
- Flexible Solutions: Entry-level options delivering proven theft protection
Protect Your Dealership with Clear Armor’s Proven Security Solutions
Don’t wait for a devastating break-in to upgrade your auto dealership security. Clear Armor provides:
- Free dealership safety assessment
- Custom commercial security solutions tailored to your needs
- Rapid installation with minimal business disruption
- Industry-leading theft protection with a 10-year forced entry resistance warranty