In recent times, ram raids have become a more frequent method of burglary, mainly targeting businesses with storefronts exposed to public roads. These attacks not only result in significant property damage but also have the potential to disrupt operations for lengthy periods.
The financial and reputational implications are severe for both small businesses and larger corporations alike. To counteract this threat, ram raid bollards are considered a straightforward and effective preventative measure.
Understanding ram raids
Vehicles moving at high velocity have sufficient power to breach standard building fronts
A ram raid occurs when an individual drives a vehicle into a building, primarily to gain unauthorised access to a commercial property. Retail stores located on busy streets, especially those selling electronics, jewellery, or other high-demand goods, are frequent targets. Yet, other locations such as warehouses, government facilities, event venues, and military supply depots are also at risk.
Vehicles moving at high velocity have sufficient power to breach standard building fronts, making even robust doors or window bars inadequate defences unless proper perimeter security is in place.
The role of bollards in ram raid prevention
Bollards are vital in forming a comprehensive ram raid prevention strategy, acting as physical barriers to prevent vehicles from reaching vulnerable parts of a building. The placement of these bollards is crucial to their effectiveness.
Security specialists often install bollards to block direct paths vehicles may use to approach a building. For instance, placing crash-rated bollards along a storefront's curb can obstruct a vehicle from aligning directly with entrance points.
In areas deemed high-risk, bollards may be arranged in staggered patterns to force vehicles to decelerate or stop while still allowing pedestrian passage. Integrated into the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategy, bollards can be part of a broader deterrent framework incorporating landscape and lighting features.
Choosing suitable bollards for security
High-impact or anti-ram bollards are fitted with girded steel cores, sturdy bases, and engineered designs
Not all bollards are designed to stop vehicles; some only serve aesthetic purposes or traffic control. For genuine ram raid prevention, it is crucial to opt for impact-rated bollards that can endure high-speed collisions.
High-impact or anti-ram bollards are equipped with reinforced steel cores, sturdy foundations, and engineered designs to absorb collision forces effectively, making them capable of halting a moving truck.
On the other hand, traffic control bollards are constructed with lighter materials, such as plastic or thin steel, guiding vehicles and safeguarding pedestrian zones but are inadequate for stopping high-speed impacts.
Material options: Steel, concrete, or retractable bollards
The choice of material affects both the performance and appearance of bollards. Steel bollards are popular in anti-ram contexts for their durability and can be filled with concrete to enhance mass. Concrete bollards, though primarily static, are visible barriers effective against vehicle threats.
Retractable bollards provide a harmonious blend of security and access control. They can be elevated for protection or retracted to permit authorised vehicle entry, ideal for places like military bases or event venues requiring regulated access.
Evaluating risk before installing bollards
Before purchasing anti-ram bollards, understanding the specific risk level is vital
Before purchasing anti-ram bollards, understanding the specific risk level is vital. A busy urban storefront, government premises near public thoroughfares, and private distribution centres each encounter unique threats.
An in-depth analysis of crime statistics, access points, and previous incidents can guide the requisite level of protection needed.
Consulting with an expert in anti-ram solutions ensures that the chosen bollard system is appropriately tailored to the building's security requirements.
Investing in top-quality ram raid bollards
Whether the aim is to safeguard a pavement café, secure a public facility, or protect a sensitive military installation, the appropriate bollard solution could mean the difference between a near escape and a significant breach.
Delta Scientific offers a variety of anti-ram bollards, crafted in multiple designs, materials, and impact ratings to cater to different operational environments. Their engineering team assists in selecting the right placement, material, and rating to meet security goals.
Explore the options of high-security bollards to find solutions that align with specific threat profiles and site needs. The appropriate bollard choice can defend assets, ensure the security of personnel, and act as a deterrence against criminal activity before it starts.
In recent years, ram raids have become an increasingly common criminal tactic, particularly against businesses with storefronts facing public streets. The impact not only causes property damage but can also shut down operations for days or weeks.
For both small retailers and large enterprises, the financial and reputational costs can be devastating. Ram raid bollards are a simple and effective way to prevent would-be raiders.
What is a ram raid?
A ram raid is when a perpetrator deliberately drives a vehicle into a building, typically a commercial property, to gain unauthorised access. Street-facing retail stores are prime targets, especially those selling electronics, jewellery, or high-demand consumer goods. But ram raids can also threaten warehouses, government facilities, event venues, and even military supply depots.
Vehicles travelling at high speed can deliver enough force to breach most standard building facades. This means even properties with heavy doors or window bars can be vulnerable if their perimeter isn’t adequately protected.
How can bollards help prevent ram raids?
Bollards play a critical role in an integrated ram raid prevention strategy. By serving as physical barriers, they stop vehicles before they reach a building’s vulnerable points. However, the effectiveness of bollards depends heavily on strategic placement.
Security planners position bollards to block the most direct vehicle approach paths. For example, installing crash-rated bollards along the curb in front of a storefront creates a barrier that prevents a car or truck from aligning with entry doors. In some high-risk areas, bollards are arranged in staggered formations, forcing vehicles to slow or stop while still allowing pedestrian access.
As part of a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach, bollards can be integrated with landscaping, lighting, and other environmental features to naturally deter criminal behaviour.
What are the best types of bollards for security against ram raids?
Not every type of bollard on the market is designed to stop a vehicle. Some are purely aesthetic or intended only for pedestrian or traffic control.
For true ram raid prevention, businesses and agencies must select impact-rated bollards engineered to withstand deliberate, high-speed collisions.
High-impact bollards vs. traffic control bollards
High-impact or anti-ram bollards are built with reinforced steel cores, deep foundations, and engineered designs to dissipate collision forces. These are the bollards that can stop a moving truck in its tracks.
In contrast, traffic control or decorative bollards are often made from lighter materials like plastic or thin-gauge steel. Their primary function is to guide vehicles, block parking in restricted areas, or protect pedestrians, not to withstand a full-speed impact. While they can play a role in safety and traffic management, they are not a substitute for crash-rated security bollards.
Steel, concrete, or retractable
Material choice impacts both performance and appearance. Steel bollards are common for anti-ram applications because of their strength and ability to be filled with concrete for added mass. Concrete bollards, like the iconic red spheres outside many Target stores, are a more straightforward solution for specific sites. They are purely static barriers, highly visible, and effective against vehicle intrusion.
Retractable bollards offer flexibility. They provide the same vehicle-stopping power when deployed, but can be lowered or removed to allow approved vehicle access. This makes them ideal for military bases, government facilities, or event spaces where controlled access is essential without compromising security during high-risk periods.
Assessing the risk before choosing bollards
Before investing in anti-ram solutions, it’s important to understand your specific level of risk. A busy city storefront, a government facility near a public roadway, and a private distribution centre all face different threat profiles. Reviewing crime statistics in the area, evaluating site access points, and noting any previous incidents can help determine the level of protection they need.
Partnering with a security consultant or engineer experienced in anti-ram applications ensures that the bollard system is tailored to their building security needs.
Choose high-quality ram raid bollards to protect the infrastructure
Whether the priority is protecting a sidewalk café, securing a public facility, or fortifying a sensitive military installation, the right bollard solution can mean the difference between a near miss and a catastrophic breach.
At Delta Scientific, they manufacture anti-ram bollards in multiple designs, materials, and impact ratings to match diverse operational environments. The engineering team can help they determine the correct placement, material, and rating to meet their security objectives. Browse the range of high-security bollards to see which options align with their threat profile and site requirements. The right choice of bollard for ram raid protection can protect their assets, safeguard their people, and deter criminal activity before it begins.
