Quick answer
For high-street luxury jewelry stores, our steel-reinforced aluminum system uses P6B (or higher) Laminated Security Glass, integrated with LPS 1175 SR3 or SR4-rated roller shutters. Offer maximum protection with impact-resistant frames, anti-bandit glazing, and multi-point locking systems.
In the UK, where “smash and grab” incidents are a persistent concern for high-value retailers, choosing the right security is a mandatory requirement for insurance compliance.
Redwood Shopfront is a premium choice for installing high-security, insurance-approved systems, ensuring your stock remains protected without compromising the elegant, luxury aesthetic of your brand.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what makes a shopfront truly secure and safe.
Why "Standard" Glass Isn’t Enough for Jewelry: The LPS 1175 Standard
When safeguarding high-value inventory such as jewelry and precious metals, your shopfront isn’t just a display window; it’s your first line of defense. Standard float glass shatters in seconds. In the UK, professional installers and insurance providers refer to the LPS 1175 standard.
This is a British certification that classifies the resistance of building components against forced entry.
- SR1 and SR2: Ideal for low to medium risk areas. Provides basic resistance against opportunistic attacks using simple tools.
- SR3: Mostly used for high-value retail stores. Offers full protection against determined attackers using tools like crowbars and hammers.
- SR4: The gold standard for high-street jewelers, ultra-high-value boutiques or banks. Offer high-level protection against advanced tools, including disc cutters and sledgehammers.
At Redwood Shopfront, our professionals consult directly with store owners to ensure their installations meet the specific SR requirements mandated by UK insurance providers.
Glass Type & Resistance Level Comparison
Rating |
Tool Category |
Resistance Time |
Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|
SR1
|
Hand tools (Screwdrivers)
|
1 Minute
|
Low Risk
|
SR2
|
Manual tools (Hacksaws)
|
3 Minutes
|
Moderate Risk
|
SR3
|
Crowbars, Drills, Axes
|
5 Minutes
|
High Risk (Jewelry Standard)
|
SR4
|
Sledgehammers, Disc Cutters
|
10 Minutes
|
Extreme Risk
|
The Best Framing Materials: Aluminum vs. Steel
The frame is the skeleton of your security. If the frame fails, the glass becomes irrelevant.
1. Aluminum Shopfront (The Modern Choice)
Aluminum is the most popular choice for high-street boutiques, offering a balance of strength, weight, and versatility.
The benefits include natural corrosion resistance (essential for coastal locations), ease of maintenance, and the ability to achieve slimmer sightlines that maintain your boutique’s elegant appearance.
2. Steel Shopfront (The Fortress Choice)
When maximum security is non-negotiable in a particularly high-crime area or stores with extremely large glass spans, steel frames are the ideal solution. It’s heavier than aluminum, but it is also incredibly tough and resistant to break-ins.
Aesthetics: Security Without Sacrificing Style
Our experts believe security shouldn’t look like a prison. We specialize in “slim-profile” reinforced frames, concealed reinforcements to ensure your storefront looks inviting during business hours and remains impenetrable when closed.
High-Security Glazing: Why Laminated P6B is the Industry Standard
Toughened Glass vs. Laminated Glass: Which is Better for Jewelry?
- Toughened Glass: Designed for safety and is stronger than ordinary float glass. When hit, glass shatters into small, non-sharp pieces. While it prevents injury, it unfortunately leaves your store wide open in seconds.
- Laminated P6B “Anti-Bandit” Glass: Laminated glass works differently. Made from multiple layers of glass bonded together with a tough polymer layer. When struck, the glass may crack, but it remains firmly in the frame.
P6B Anti-Bandit Glazing
P6B is a specific classification within the EN 356 standard for burglar-resistant glazing. Anti-bandit glass is a type of laminated glass specifically designed to withstand the most aggressive break-in methods, including sledgehammer and axe attacks.
For jewelry stores, P6B isn’t optional; it’s essential. This specification has proven itself countless times in real-world attacks.
LPS 1175 Security Rating Guide
Glass Type |
Construction |
Security Level |
Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
Float Glass
|
Single Layer
|
Low
|
Internal partitions only
|
Toughened
|
Heat Treated
|
Medium (Safety)
|
Standard retail (non-high value)
|
Laminated
|
2 layers + Interlayer
|
High
|
General high-street retail
|
P6B Anti-Bandit
|
Multi-layer Reinforced
|
Ultra-High
|
Jewelry & Luxury Retail
|
Integrating Roller Shutters for Out-of-Hours Protection
A secure shopfront is a 24/7 commitment. While your glass protects you during the day, LPS 1175 SR3-rated roller shutters provide peace of mind overnight.
- Perforated vs. Solid: Many UK local councils prefer perforated or punch-hole shutters. Allow light to spill onto the street and keep the town centre looking “alive.” These still offer incredible security while allowing passers-by to window-shop after hours.
Bespoke Integration
We provide bespoke roller shutters that integrate into your shopfront. Designed to disappear into the shopfront header when your store is open, ensuring your luxury branding remains the focal point during the day.
The Role of Locking Systems and Hardware
The final piece of the security puzzle is the hardware. A high-security door is only as strong as its locking points.
- Multi-point locking systems & hook bolts: Instead of a single deadbolt, our systems engage multi-point locking systems, combined with hook bolts, which provide advanced security by making it difficult for intruders to bypass locks.
- Reinforced Hinges: To prevent “Prying” Attacks, we use heavy-duty, tamper-proof hinges that cannot be ground off or removed from the exterior.
Ready to discuss your jewelry store's security needs?
Don’t wait for an incident to upgrade your security. Contact Redwood Shopfront, specialist installers of high-security aluminum shopfronts and steel shopfronts, roller shutters, and commercial glazing systems across the UK.
FAQ
How much does a high-security jewelry shopfront cost?
Because these systems are bespoke, costs vary depending on the SR rating, glass thickness, and materials used. We provide bespoke quotes tailored to meet your security needs while working within your budget.
What is "Anti-Bandit" glass?
Anti-bandit glass is a thick, multi-layered laminated glass designed to withstand smash-and-grab attacks. Technically classified as P6B or higher under the EN 356 standard.
Will a high-security shopfront affect my insurance premiums?
Yes, installing an LPS 1175-certified shopfront from a vetted installer, such as Redwood, can help lower your commercial insurance premiums. Insurance companies often offer discounts to businesses that implement high-security systems.
How long does it take to install a new secure shopfront?
Typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on the design’s complexity and materials. Our team is committed to minimizing downtime, ensuring your store remains open throughout the process.
As the lead technical writer for Redwood Shopfront, Tom has over 7+ years of hands-on experience in the London commercial property sector, establishing himself as a leading authority on shopfront design and high-security structural glazing. Helping business owners in high-traffic areas like Soho and Walthamstow navigate complex security requirements, including LPS 1175 and PAS 24 compliance. His work ensures that every storefront is not just visually striking, but fully secured against modern threats.
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