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Protecting Storefronts with Bollards: Driver Error, Ram-Raids, and Theft Deterrence

Storefront crashes and vehicle-ramming thefts are a growing concern across the United States. Whether caused by driver error, impaired driving, or coordinated criminal activity, these incidents pose a serious threat to pedestrian safety, property integrity, and business continuity. Bollards are the most effective and cost-efficient solutions for storefront protection.

The Growing Problem of Vehicle Incursions into Storefronts

The leading causes of storefront crashes include:

  • Driver error (e.g., pedal confusion, accidental acceleration) – accounts for ~20% of incidents

  • Driving under the influence – a significant contributor to high-speed vehicle crashes into buildings

  • Ram-raid burglaries and organized theft – increasingly frequent in urban and suburban areas

According to the Storefront Safety Council, over 100 vehicle-into-building crashes occur every day in the U.S., resulting in approximately:

  • 16,000+ injuries annually

  • 2,600+ deaths each year

  • 46% of these incidents occur at retail or commercial buildings

Bollards as a Critical Line of Defense

1. Driver Error and Impaired Driving

Bollards can stop or deflect vehicles traveling at low to moderate speeds making them highly effective in preventing:

  • Accidental curb-jumps in parking lots

  • Mistaken accelerations toward storefronts

  • Impaired driving incidents in pedestrian-heavy zones

Many of these events occur during business hours, putting employees and customers at risk. Well-placed bollards can serve as a passive safety measure that blends seamlessly into architectural aesthetics while providing a critical barrier.

2. Ram-Raid Theft and Criminal Access

Ram-raiding is a tactic where perpetrators use a vehicle to crash through a storefront, typically during off-hours, in order to:

  • Loot cash registers or safes

  • Steal high-value items (e.g., electronics, ATVs, luxury apparel)

  • Commit coordinated thefts with multiple getaway vehicles

Organized theft rings have increasingly targeted:

  • Gun stores (where ATF reports show dozens of ram-raid style thefts each year)

  • Motorcycle and bike shops

  • Cannabis dispensaries

  • Pawn shops and jewelry retailers

In 2022, the National Retail Federation reported losses of $112.1 billion from organized retail crime (ORC), with ram-raid style attacks becoming more common. A bollard system can physically prevent vehicle access, making these smash-and-grab attacks much more difficult or impossible.

Selecting the Right Bollard Configuration

A. Bollard Types

  • Fixed (Inground): Permanently embedded in concrete for maximum strength; ideal for high-risk locations.

  • Removable: Can be lifted out for service access or temporary vehicle entry; must maintain strength equivalent to fixed when installed.

  • Surface-mounted (Bolt-down): Suitable for light-duty protection but generally best for areas with very low risk or where penetrating the surface is not possible.

  • Bollard Systems: When used in conjunction with inground or removable bollards, a properly designed bollard system allows for greater protection based on specific site needs.

B. Key Design Considerations

1. Bollard Diameter

  • 4" schedule 40 steel bollards: typical for light protection

  • 6” to 8” schedule 40 steel bollards: Most common general heavy duty protection areas

  • 6" to 10" schedule 80 steel bollards: used in high-risk locations or where large vehicles are a concern

  • Crash-rated models combine common bollard diameters along with footing and strengthening modifications to achieve engineered or tested impact rates based on vehicle speed and weight.

2. Depth of Embedment

  • Standard bollards are embedded at least 2 feet deep, depending on risk and footing restrictions

  • Standard security bollards are embedded at least 3–5 feet deep, depending on vehicle threat level

  • Shallow-mount options (e.g., 12–18") are available and can have added subgrade fixtures that increase performance

  • Deeper mounts provide better resistance from both high-speed impacts and pull-out during a ram attempt

3. Spacing

  • Recommended spacing is typically 4 feet apart (measured from the center of one bollard to the center of the next) to prevent vehicles from passing between.

  • Wider spacing may allow motorcycles, scooters, or small cars to penetrate

  • For increase protection, bollards can be installed closer together

  • ADA compliance should be maintained (minimum 36" clear space for pedestrian pathways)

4. Fill Material

  • Concrete-filled steel bollards offer slight improvement in resistance to deformation and impact performance

  • Rebar cages or core-reinforcement can be added for improving bollard performance

  • Bollard footings should have a compacted layer at the bottom and be filled with 3000psi (minimum) concrete.

5. Crash Ratings

  • ASTM F2656 sets the standard for bollard crash performance (M30, M40, M50 ratings correspond to vehicle impact tests at varying speeds and weights)

  • Most storefront applications do not require formal crash ratings but can benefit from crash-resistant engineering

Best Practices for Storefront Bollard Protection

Risk Type

Recommended Bollard Type

Key Considerations

Driver Error

6" Schedule 40/80 steel, concrete-filled

Embed 36"+, 4" spacing, decorative sleeve optional

DUI/ High-speed loss

6"-10" deep-mount or crash-rated bollard

Increase depth, rebar cage, consider crash spec

Ram-Raid Theft

6"-8" Schedule 80 with reinforced core

48" embedment, max 4" spacing concrete footing

Organized Theft Rings

Deep-mount, reinforced bollards + gates

Position to block full vehicle access

Conclusion

Storefront protection is no longer optional—it’s an essential investment in safety and loss prevention. Whether preventing accidental curb-jumping or deterring calculated theft, properly engineered bollards provide peace of mind and physical security for business owners, property managers, and customers.

Each location has unique risks and needs. By working with experienced fabricators and installers who understand site-specific bollard design, businesses can deploy a configuration that meets the threat level without compromising aesthetics or accessibility.

Need Expert Help?

We manufacture heavy-duty steel pipe bollards right here in the USA with custom fabrication, short lead times, and no order minimums.

From design consultation to just-in-time delivery, we’re ready to help you protect what matters.