Bullet Proof Security Systems, News, Information | Demand TSS » Convenience Store Security

The Many Faces of Bulletproof Glass

Jim — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:19:31 +0000

Bullet resistant glass (better known as bulletproof glass) is referred to very often in this niche industry. However it is a little known fact that in most cases there is no actual “glass” involved. The three most common forms of ballistic security glass are acrylic, polycarbonate and glass class polycarbonate.

Bullet Resistant Acrylic from Total Security Solutions

Acrylic: Bulletproof acrylic is the most commonly used material for transaction windows and ballistic resistant barrier systems. The acrylic material is available in UL ballistic protection levels one and two. The acrylic also has the option to have an abrasion resistant (AR) coating or be standard acrylic. The abrasion resistant coating comes standard on our level two acrylic and provides protection against cleaning solvents and weather, as well as an increased resistance to the effects of ultra violet light.

Polycarbonate: Bulletproof polycarbonate materials are normally composed of an acrylic core with two polycarbonate caps each side of the secure surface. Polycarbonate materials are available in UL ballistic protection levels one thru three and all three come standard with an abrasion resistant coating. All of the polycarbonate materials that Total Security Solutions offers also have a forced entry rating.

Glass Clad Polycarbonate: Glass Clad Polycarbonate (GCP) materials are composed of inter layers of glass and polyurethane with exterior caps of glass and abrasion resistant polycarbonate. GCP comes in UL ballistic protection levels one thru five and level eight as well. All of the GCP materials that Total Security Solutions offers carry a forced entry level in addition to their ballistic rating.

Now when someone is talking about bulletproof glass you can ask them, “what type of ‘glass’ are you talking about”…if it’s even glass at all! For more information on ballistic materials such as bulletproof glass please visit our website or call us at 866-930-7807

Installing a Bullet Proof Transaction Window: It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3.

Jim — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:04:20 +0000

Bullet proof transaction windows tend to be the most commonly asked for and purchased item when it comes to bullet resistant products. Upon purchase the most frequently asked question is, “How do I install it?”

While we would love to be able to install every transaction window ourselves, it’s just not economical for either party. Instead Total Security Solutions has came up with a simple three step process for customers to “do it yourself”:

Transaction Window Install Instructions

Cut and finished an opening in the wall to accept the unit size. The opening should be ¼” wider and taller than the size of the ordered unit.
Place the pre framed window in the opening, shim as necessary, assuring that the item is level and in the correct position desired. Attach the sides to the existing wall with the provided screws (use anchors if the wall is masonry).
Apply trim, molding that can be obtained locally, around the window and your project is finished.

Bullet proof transaction windows come in UL protection levels 1-3 and several different types (such as the baffle and arched voice port). All of Total Security Solutions transaction windows come with a full installation packet which includes the instructions, hardware, caulk, glass cleaner and towels to clean the glass. For more information on transaction windows visit our website or call 866-930-7807.

The Anatomy of a Bullet Proof Transaction Window

Jim — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:29:44 +0000

Bullet Proof Transaction Windows are the most common item of protection when it comes to bullet resistant products. At a glance they seem very simple; it’s just a piece of bullet resistant acrylic and some frames right? In theory that would be a good analogy but in actuality there are a lot of components that go in to engineering and ultimately building a transaction window. Depending on if you’re looking at a Baffle System, an Arched Voice Port or a Hole in Backer System the amount of work that goes in to each transaction window to make it secure is anything but simple.

Arched Voice Port Bullet Resistant Transaction Window

Starting from the ground up we begin with the counter top that transaction windows often have. The counter top is the foundation for the entire window and they come in two standard forms. The most common counter top material is plastic laminate, which can be provided in a number of different colors. The other is stainless steel. Stainless steel counter tops are often used in exterior applications and upon customer request. After the counter top is constructed then the currency tray must be either cut in or placed on top of the counter to allow money to pass between customers and employees. Most of our currency trays are recessed in to the counter top. Next comes the framing for the transaction window. Attached to the counter top is either a U channel bracket or 2 piece channel to secure the counter and window together along with pieces of 2 piece channel along the sides and top to hold the bullet proof glass in place.

Before the bullet proof glass is put in place the determination of what type of voice transmission needs to be decided. If you have chosen a baffle system, arched voice port or voice around then this is already decided; however other voice port systems are available such as the hole in backer, MK1 and MK2. Now that the counter top, frames and voice transmission system are chosen we move on the most important piece, the Bullet Proof Glass. Most transaction windows come with a level one bullet resistant 1 ¼” acrylic, however there are many other options for levels of protection. Bullet proof Glass Clad polycarbonate is available in transaction windows from bullet resistant levels 1-3 as well as polycarbonate materials. Level three LP1250 contains two 1/8^th layers of polycarbonate sandwiched around an inch of bullet resistant acrylic. LP1250 offers great transparency along with a high level of protection.

There are many other transaction windows that are available such as bullet proof horizontal sliders and exterior transaction windows that can be installed in your place of business. For more information on transaction windows visit our products section of our website.

Passing Pennies (Quarters, nickels and Dimes)

Jim — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:14:09 +0000

Currency Tray from Total Security Solutions

Items like package passers are great for larger items such as UPS packages, bottles and other bulky items but they aren’t the best option when it comes to passing the most common item of all in a place of business, money. Currency trays are one of the most important items in a transaction area and they are often one of the last things on a person’s mind when it comes to ordering their bullet resistant products.

The three most common currency trays that you’ll see in banks, check cashiers, pawn shops and some convenience stored and gas stations are the standard currency tray, the flip lid and sliding currency tray. The standard tray comes in five different sizes and two different variations in which both have custom sizes available. They can either be recessed in a countertop or mounted on the top. All standard trays are also available with a bullet trap system that lets a bullet travel through the tray and in to a confined area to trap the bullet. The flip lid tray is often used in some exterior applications and is very similar to the standard tray, just with covers over the openings and a flat bottom to the tray. These trays are available in one size along with custom sizes as well. The sliding currency tray is very similar to the flip lid tray in terms of shape and functionality. The sliding tray has a lock on the employee side for added security and allows for some larger, bulkier items (such as cigarette cartons) to be passed without an issue. The sliding tray is available in one size as well as custom sizes as well. All of these types of currency trays can be installed in to any transaction window and are great for many different applications.

Below are the available standard sizes for all currency tray:

Standard Flip Lid Sliding

Counter Recessed Counter Recessed Counter Recessed

12″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″ 14-1/2″ x 16-1/2″ x 2-3/4″ 14″ x 14″ x 2-3/4″
14″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
16″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 13″ x 2-1/2″
14″ x 17″ x 1-3/4″

Counter Recessed with Bullet Trap

12″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
16″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″
14″ x 13″ x 2-1/2″
14″ x 17″ x 1-3/4″

Counter Mount

12″ x 8″ x 2″
14″ x 8″ x 2″
16″ x 8″ x 2″

***Custom Sizes are available for all currency trays***

There are other variations of currency trays available to customers to fit their needs. For more information view our website or call Total Security Solutions today.

Protecting Your Investments

Jim — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:46:41 +0000

Bullet resistant fiberglass from Total Security Solutions

Bullet resistant fiberglass is somewhat of an afterthought to crooks and robbers. It’s normally well hidden underneath drywall or underneath a countertop; but there are many more uses for bullet resistant fiberglass then someone might think…

In the home: Just about anyone has something priceless that they would be devastated about if it were stolen; working like a safe room area bullet resistant fiberglass can do that. The fiberglass sheets can be constructed in to a room very similar to drywall to secure valuables and also keep your family safe from intruders in the case of a burglary.
At the workplace: There is a security risk at any job. Some (such as bank tellers) have a higher risk of being robbed at gun point then others. One way to keep employees and yourself secure is to line the transaction areas in bullet resistant fiberglass. It is not only a deterrent for burglars but also helps prevent total vandalism. The fiberglass panels are solid as a rock and are practically unbreakable, unlike drywall.
In the community: Schools, police departments and fire departments are also unfortunately at very high risk for criminal activity. In community locations such as these security is one of the first things that should be taken in to consideration. While there is no way to stop all violent crimes in these sectors, there is a way to prevent some of the very violent ones from happening with some added security. Fiberglass panels (along with other security measures) will show to a would be gunmen or disgruntled person that the community is serious about protecting its own.
Banks: The last (and most obvious) spot that needs added security is a bank. In a lot of cases there are entire walls, counters and rooms lined with bullet resistant fiberglass panels. Banks also tend to place bullet resistant barriers around their teller lines to protect the tellers from threats. The owners of the banks aren’t trying to save their money, which can be replaced. What can’t be replaced are the lives of the employees and customers at the bank. No insurance company can fix what happens after a robbery gone wrong. This is why many banks line as much of the area as they can to help protect their employees and customers from devastating things happening to them.

Bullet Resistant fiberglass can come in many sizes, levels of protection and can custom made for customers as well. Below are our levels of protection listed with the standard sizes of the sheet that they come in.

Level I (9mm)                          Level II           (.357)                           Level III   (.44 Mag)
3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′, 3′ x 10′              3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′, 3′ x 10′              3′ x 8′, 3′ x 9′
4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, 4′ x 10′              4′ x 8′, 4′ x 9′, 4′ x 10′              3′ x 10′, 4′ x 8′

Click here for more information on bullet resistant fiberglass from Total Security Solutions such as thickness, protection details and additional sizing .

Horizontal Slider installed at Marathon Oil Dealer

karenm — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:18:35 +0000

A Marathon Oil dealer in an Indianapolis neighborhood that experienced a string of summer robberies knew it was time to play defense when the station was held up twice. While there were no injuries, the cash drawer was cleaned out both times. He called his corporate office and they called TSS. Company representatives took initial measurements at the dealer, then submitted an installation design to Marathon, who approved the design and issued a purchase order. TSS had all materials — new counter top, two horizontal acrylic sliders, ballistic entry door, under-counter ballistic fiberglass on-site in less than two weeks. Installation began at 8 PM and was completed at 2:30 AM, significantly reducing downtime for the dealer.

Rotary Package Processor

Jim — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:10:22 +0000

Rotary Package Processor from Total Security Solutions

Like the PE Package Passer (See last week’s blog) the Rotary Package Processor is a great option for convenience stores. However, unlike the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is the perfect option for fast food operations, restaurants and gas stations. This type of Package Processor allows many different (and larger) sized items to be passed back and forth between customers and employees. Like the PE, the Rotary Package Processor is only accessible from one side at a time, meaning that there is not breech possibility

The Rotary Package Processor has many features that are available as well, things such as additional locking mechanisms, integral cash tray protective barriers and three different levels of protection. The Rotary Package Passer comes in one standard size (Box OD 18″ W x 20″ H x 14″ D) as well as custom sizes per customer request and is available in three levels of protection.

For more information on Rotary Package Passers including available sizes and levels of protection click here.

Clerk Outwits Robber with Bullet Resistant Barrier

karenm — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:30:07 +0000

A little smarts and a bullet-proof barrier prevented a robbery at a Mobile Gas Station in Tamba Bay, Florida. After one robber unsuccessfully attempted to open the cash register of the convenience store, a second robber brought the clerk at gunpoint from the cooler to open it for them.

“Ahmad told the robbers they had to step away so he could close the door to the enclosure around the register or the drawer would not open. When they stepped outside, he shut the door and locked it, putting himself behind the bullet-proof glass, police said.”

Read “Police: Pair attempting robbery weren’t very smart” by Chip Osowski, http://www2.tbo.com.

Image taken from http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/feb/22/police-pair-attempting-robbery-werent-very-smart/.

Bullet Resistant Glass Helps Protect Against “Smash and Grab” Robberies

karenm — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:20:19 +0000

In the Handbook of Glass in Construction by Joseph S. Amstock, it states, “Large storefront glass windows at street levels are one of the best ways retailers [ . . . ] have to showcase their merchandise or services. But these areas are increasingly at risk, particularly from ’smash and grab’ vandalism.” It goes on to state that nearly 70 percent of reported burglaries involved forced entry through windows or doors.

The Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (MPCA) recently reported an increasing threat from “smash and grab” robberies for local convenience stores. The MPCA issued a list of security tips to help convenience stores prevent this type of robbery. To “help protect your employees and provide security for your property,” convenience stores should consider:

installing “Bandit Barriers” to keep robbers from getting behind the register counter,
good lighting (interior and exterior), and
two clerks on duty at night.

Read additional tips on protecting your convenience store from “smash and grab robberies.”

Bullet Resistant Security for Convenience Stores

karenm — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:54:27 +0000

Just as banks are a common target for robberies, convenience stores face the same challenge as a result of their late hours. Many convenience stores do not have the protection of bullet proof glass and most clerks are advised not to respond if a theft is underway.

“It happens all the time. It’s not something that happens once in a blue moon,” Ali Zaidi said of the trend in robberies at stores such as his.

Some convenience stores, however, are taking steps to safeguard their employees by installing bullet resistant barriers. The most commonly used barriers for convenience stores are horizontal or vertical sliders. Providing UL Level 1-3 security, these bulletproof barrier systems can be customized to provide different levels of security at different times of day.

Read “Too Often, Convenience Store Clerks in Danger” by Carl Lewis, www.macon.com.