Wolfgang Hahn developed Silatec glass in the 1970s in response to an increased need for security stemming from the Baader-Meinhof era, as well as due to a rise in smash-and-grab burglaries through storefront windows. The company’s founder worked with great passion to develop a novel process. The result was a pioneering achievement: extremely secure, highly transparent, thin, and lightweight glass.
Silatec’s safety glass panes have already thwarted more than 3,000 attempted break-ins at stores. These included violent attacks, such as the one in 2006 on Via Condotti in Rome. At that time, two burglars rammed a stolen tow truck at full speed into the window of a jewelry store. They were not successful.
This illustrates the types of break-in methods jewelers must anticipate. They display valuable items that are often difficult to replace. Even if these items are insured, any theft would result in losses. After all, you cannot sell what has been stolen.
What is the optimal size for jewelry store display windows? You can expect good cost-effectiveness if the dimensions do not exceed 2.5 x 6 meters. Larger windows are possible, but installation is significantly more expensive.
For insurance reasons, it’s often worth dividing a large storefront into several display windows.
There’s another reason to order directly from Silatec: After a break-in attempt, we can provide a replacement very quickly so your storefront can get back to business. We have all the necessary resources—including our own production line and an installation team—specifically for situations like these. If necessary, we’ll replace the glass even at night or on weekends and handle any permits required for work in downtown locations.
The level of security you need for your storefront windows depends on the value of the merchandise on display, the specific risk of break-ins, and your insurer’s requirements. Security glass that meets the European P8B standard and the VdS EH3 specifications fulfills the highest security requirements. Alarm glass provides an additional deterrent. Silatec P8B/EH3 with an alarm embedded in the glass offers extremely effective burglary protection and even stopped a tow truck in Rome.
In addition to the glazing, a sturdy frame construction is essential to prevent burglars from prying the pane out, as is a secure anchoring of the frame in the masonry.
We can install security glazing up to 9 meters long, as the trend is toward larger glass facades. However, from our experience, we’re also aware of the drawbacks. For example, after a break-in attempt, it takes longer to deliver a pane of this size than one that’s only half as large. Replacing it requires a crane, and in downtown locations, a special permit is often needed.
Where possible, it can be worthwhile to divide the front into several storefront windows. Insurance considerations also often support this approach, as the insured value of merchandise per storefront window is frequently limited.
For decades, Silatec has been supplying and installing burglar-resistant glass for jewelers. We’ve already equipped several thousand stores with safety glass for their display windows and understand the needs of store owners. Your displays need to sell effectively—we’ll take care of the rest. Give us a call directly.
Patrick Coppée is an expert in safety glass solutions that meet the highest standards for burglary protection, bullet resistance, aesthetics, and functionality. As Sales Manager at SILATEC, he advises owners of exclusive residential properties, museums, government institutions, and embassies, as well as security and design consultants, on the development of customized security concepts. His expertise is rooted in the combination of scientific research, continuous product development, and extensive practical testing.
Through close collaboration with government agencies, state criminal investigation bureaus, and leading security experts—as well as his experience with numerous burglary and shooting tests—he possesses in-depth knowledge of real-world threat scenarios and effective protection concepts. With more than 100 technical presentations and live demonstrations across Europe, he explains complex security requirements in a practical manner and is one of the most sought-after experts for transparent security solutions.
