Renton Police recommend businesses consider bollards to reduce smash-and-grabs

Spherical bollards protected the now-closed Fry’s building from smash-and-grab burglaries throughout its life as an electronics store

Renton police are recommending businesses consider installing bollards after seeing a growing number of burglaries in which cars are purposely smashed through windows and walls of buildings.  The number of incidences has been growing exponentially since the legislature prohibited police from pursuing these burglars after they steal cars and after they crash into stores. There were a dozen incidences of this type of crime in Renton last year, and in 2023 we’ve already had three, putting us on the discouraging track to break last year’s record.

This recommendation makes sense under today’s circumstances, but it’s too bad we’ve come to this point where this is a significant concern.  While bollards can be decorative and come in many architectural designs, they can also be pedestrian or bike hazards themselves, and they can limit legitimate vehicle access to storefronts when performing certain maintenance.  When bollards are installed they should be substantial and tall enough to be easily seen, to prevent people from running into them or tripping over them.  And some stores may want to consider them at more than just the front door– burglars have been known to drive stolen cars through walls as well as doors and windows.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to add storefront bollards is for the protection of personnel inside the store.  It’s only a matter of time before one of these late-night smash-and-grabs in Renton kills or injures an employee doing inventory or restocking work.

This kind of security measure is unfortunately another large expense added on top of  losses many businesses have sustained due to the pandemic, increased crime, and in the case of downtown businesses, a long period of road construction.

KOMO news reports on the police recommendation for bollards here.