Top Security Tips For Glass Showcases And Display Cabinets

Glass display cases are a mainstay for showcasing rare or high-value items in museums, galleries, and shops, and also for private collections of precious items. Sometimes there is no suitable alternative to a display case in order to protect the item from security risks, or to maintain specific environmental conditions for very old or fragile items.

Here are some security tips to help you present the content of glass cabinets to best advantage, while keeping them safe and secure against theft and damage. 

Use laminated glass

Laminated glass is considered to be the gold standard for display cases. It has a central layer of clear EVA or PVB material, which is designed to hold the glass in place even if it breaks. The glass may be held in place with a deep U channel. 

Some types of display case are made from toughened safety glass that has been tempered at very high temperatures. This makes it resistant to shattering and it can withstand hard impacts, and it can also support the weight of heavy objects that might be accidentally placed on top of the case. 

However, tempered glass is more subject to vibrations and if it does break under high impact, this gives thieves access to the contents. 

Laminated glass will retain its central layer even if the outer layer of glass is broken, so that the contents remain protected. This is why laminated glass is used in situations where security is paramount, such as shop windows and display cases. It also has good UV radiation blocking properties and is less subject to noise vibrations. 

Standard glass or acrylic should be avoided if at all possible, because these materials are much more likely to break if they are accidentally knocked, or deliberately hit with the intention of theft or damage. In certain public venues, safety glass may be required as part of the health and safety stipulations. 

Install high-security locks

Locks are essential for display cabinets to deter, prevent, or delay unauthorised access. Electronic locks can be integrated with other access control features such as card readers, biometric data readers, or keypads and codes. These can be controlled from a central security panel and can record the time, date, and location of the access attempt. 

Cylinder locks are used as standard if high-security is paramount, because they are more difficult to pick than regular locks.

Integrate other security systems

In situations where the contents of the case is particularly valuable or of exceptional rarity or historical value, then it may be necessary to integrate the cabinet with other security measures. This could be CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and audio alarms that are connected to the relevant security services for an immediate response.

In certain venues, particularly museums and galleries that are in listed buildings, antique wooden display cases may be considered to be an original feature of the building and they cannot be replaced with more modern materials. In this situation, it may be necessary to protect precious content with alarms that can detect vibrations and attempted breakages.

Consider the positioning of the case

Position the display case or unit in a place where it is not hidden from view, or too near entry and exit points that would make a quick getaway for thieves. The case should be fixed to the wall or floor for extra stability, and to prevent it from being accidentally or deliberately tipped over. 

Make use of lighting 

Lighting provides an extra layer of protection for the display cabinet by making it more visible. Bright and well lit spaces deter thieves, because it makes their actions easier to spot. Therefore, motion sensor lights that will automatically switch on when they detect movement and cannot be easily switched off will be a good deterrent.

The extra light will make any CCTV footage clearer, and can alert security personnel to a suspicious presence. Of course, good lighting also helps visitors to see and enjoy the contents of the display properly as well. Consider complementing the lighting with some LED strip lighting to show off fine details, if the nature of the displayed materials allows.

Some very old or fragile material may be sensitive to strong light, so museum or gallery lighting should be designed in coordination with the exhibition curators or other relevant experts. 

Train staff in maintaining security

Make sure that all staff are aware of the security protocols, such as regular maintenance checks, ensuring the cases are locked properly, being vigilant for suspicious behaviour, and the procedures to follow in the event of a security breach.