Security & Fraud

Restaining the Ram Raider

by Frank Fourchalk

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Working as a Security Consultant certainly keeps me mentally alert, especially when my ultimate goal is to halt the bad guys. But when thieves start using 3000 lb battering rams to break into stores, its serious business.

All the locks and security systems in the world won't prevent a deranged thief from smashing down the walls of your business with a 3000 lb vehicle. This procedure is known as Ram Raiding and involves smash and grabbers who make their escape while the element of shock is still attached to a potential witness's face.

As a storeowner, you must consider these "devil may care" thieves who drive around the streets in stolen vehicles scoping out their next victim. These lunatics ram, grab and take off in an accompanied vehicle almost always leaving the stolen vehicle at the scene. Their goal is to get what they want when they want at whatever the risk.

Time and time again businesses are being targeted by these modern day pirates on wheels.

So how does a business owner deal with the seriousness of this violation. What if I told you about a product that would not only stop Ram Raider's in their tracks, but would also keep your customers safe from the dangers of runaway motorists.

I'm talking about Bollards. Bollards are concrete barriers used to protect critical infrastructures as well as define roadways or paths.

These barriers are constructed to completely stop most vehicles and at the same time provide an unobtrusive site enhancing appearance. Bollards range in diameter from 4 to 18 inches and are buried at least three feet into the concrete filled ground to assure maximum strength.

My thoughts on bollards as compulsory in new mall construction were confirmed a few weeks ago when I got a call from a store owner who wanted to secure his store after it was rammed during the day by an "out of control" motorist.

After observing the damage it prompted me to reinforce my thoughts on the importance of installing concrete bollards as standard equipment in strip malls. Strip mall owners and managers should jump at the chance to make their mall a safer and secure place for tenants and patrons.

If esthetics is the one small detail holding you back from installing bollards, why not consider a barrier in the shape of a planter. These decorative concrete planters are made of one piece pre-cast concrete with welded rebar reinforcement complete with elevated drain holes, beveled edges and an attractive finish.

If you feel your business is a target for this type of criminal, why not create a barrier by installing bollards, the ultimate anti-ram protection to keep your inside world safe from the outside world thief.

Please check out my new Web site at www.yourhomesecurity.ca or e-mail me at . Columns 2006 2005 2004