Utilizing Bollards for Ram Raid Prevention
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 unauthorized access. Street-facing retail stores are prime targets, especially those selling electronics, jewelry, or high-demand consumer goods. But ram raids can also threaten warehouses, government facilities, event venues, and even military supply depots.
Vehicles traveling 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 behavior.
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 Your 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 center all face different threat profiles. Reviewing crime statistics in your area, evaluating site access points, and noting any previous incidents can help determine the level of protection you need.
Partnering with a security consultant or engineer experienced in anti-ram applications ensures that your bollard system is tailored to your building security needs.
Choose High-Quality Ram Raid Bollards To Protect Your Infrastructure
Whether your 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, we manufacture anti-ram bollards in multiple designs, materials, and impact ratings to match diverse operational environments. Our engineering team can help you determine the correct placement, material, and rating to meet your security objectives.Browse our range of high-security bollards to see which options align with your threat profile and site requirements. The right choice of bollard for ram raid protection can protect your assets, safeguard your people, and deter criminal activity before it begins.
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