Storefront Windows Vandalized? Here’s A Step-By-Step Guide On What To Do Before Help Arrives
Nothing puts a business owner on edge quite like discovering a shattered storefront window—especially after hours.
Whether it’s the result of vandalism, attempted theft, a vehicle impact, or severe weather, broken glass at the front of your business is both a safety risk and a serious threat to your bottom line.
Until professional help arrives, there are critical steps you can take to protect your property, staff, merchandise, and reputation.
This guide covers exactly what to do the moment you discover the damage, how to secure the area, and how to prevent further issues until a glass repair expert steps in.
Let’s get right into it!
Stay Calm And Assess The Damage
The first thing to do is remain calm and focus on safety. Assess the situation without rushing. Determine how severe the damage is—was it a full window shatter or a large crack?
Are any frames or doors compromised?
Look around for possible causes such as bricks, crowbars, or debris. If the break looks intentional or is part of a larger pattern in your area, treat it as a potential crime scene. Resist the urge to clean up right away until you know what you’re dealing with.
Ensure Personal Safety First
Before doing anything, make sure you and anyone nearby are safe. Keep customers, staff, and pedestrians away from the damage. Use caution tape or signage if available.
Wear proper safety gear like gloves, sturdy footwear, and protective glasses if you need to inspect the area. Never allow anyone to walk near loose glass or debris, especially in dark or poorly lit conditions.
Secure The Scene Immediately
A broken window leaves your business exposed—both physically and reputationally. If possible, close all other points of entry and lock interior doors to prevent access to valuable items.
Lower any roll-down gates or shutters if you have them. Put up a temporary “Closed” sign on the front door to deter walk-ins and reduce liability. Dim the lights near the broken window to avoid drawing attention from opportunistic criminals.
Contact The Authorities If Necessary
If you suspect vandalism, break-and-enter, or attempted theft, contact your local police department right away.
Filing a police report not only helps catch those responsible but also protects your business legally and supports your insurance claim.
Provide them with surveillance footage if you have it. Be sure to record the incident number and request a copy of the report for your records.
Take Photos And Document Everything
Use your phone to take clear, wide-angle photos of the damage from inside and outside the storefront. Snap close-ups of shattered glass, frame damage, and any evidence left behind such as tools or objects thrown through the window.
Document damaged merchandise or displays. Write down the time and date, names of witnesses, and anything you noticed about the incident. These visuals and notes will be essential when filing an insurance claim.
Call An Emergency Commercial Glass Repair Service
Time is of the essence. Call a professional commercial glass repair service that offers 24/7 emergency response. Provide details like the size and type of glass, your storefront’s location, and whether the damage is isolated or part of a larger impact.
Reputable companies will offer fast dispatch, temporary board-up services, and a timeline for replacement. According to industry standards, most emergency glass services in Canada can respond within 1–2 hours depending on location.
Temporarily Board Up The Window (If Safe To Do So)
If the glass company is delayed and you’re comfortable doing so, you can temporarily board up the window. Use plywood panels that extend slightly beyond the frame and secure them with screws or brackets.
If plywood is unavailable, thick plastic tarps and industrial tape can offer a short-term barrier against weather and pests. Avoid using cardboard or cloth, as they offer no real protection. If you feel unsafe boarding up the glass yourself, wait for professional assistance.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
As soon as you’re able, notify your commercial property insurance provider. Share the photos, notes, and police report you collected. Ask your provider about your policy coverage, including deductibles, business interruption clauses, and any exclusions related to vandalism or natural disasters.
In Canada, most comprehensive business insurance policies do cover glass breakage, but it’s important to confirm your terms and conditions to avoid out-of-pocket surprises.
Protect Merchandise And Interior Assets
Move expensive or essential items—electronics, tills, brand displays—away from the broken window. Cover anything vulnerable to cold, moisture, or theft with a tarp or blanket.
Lock up internal rooms or storage areas, and avoid leaving merchandise within reach of the glass. If your storefront has a wide-open exposure to the sidewalk or street, consider relocating key inventory until repairs are complete.
Communicate With Customers And Employees
Let your customers know what’s going on. Use social media, your website, or an email list to inform them of a temporary closure or modified hours.
Emphasize that safety is your priority and that you’re working to restore operations quickly. Let employees know the situation, including if any shifts are cancelled or rescheduled. Clear communication preserves customer trust and prevents confusion.
Plan For Full Repair And Prevention
Once your temporary fix is in place, work with your glass company to install a permanent replacement. Now is the time to consider security upgrades.
Laminated glass, impact-resistant panels, and reinforced frames are increasingly common for Canadian storefronts. You might also invest in additional lighting, motion sensors, or security film.
Preventative upgrades can lower insurance premiums and deter repeat incidents.
Cost Considerations And Insurance Tips
In Canada, the cost of emergency storefront window replacement typically ranges from $300 to $1,200 depending on size, type of glass, and after-hours fees. Laminated or custom-fit safety glass may cost more.
Most policies have a deductible between $500 and $1,000, but many insurers will reimburse the full amount once documentation is provided. The more thorough your photos, receipts, and reporting, the smoother your claim process will be.
When To Involve A Security Consultant
If your store has experienced multiple break-ins or is located in a high-crime area, consider bringing in a professional security consultant.
They can assess vulnerabilities, suggest design changes, and help you implement CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) strategies. These improvements not only reduce risk but can make your business less of a target in the future.
Conclusion
A broken storefront window is a serious disruption—but with the right steps, you can quickly take control of the situation and protect your business.
Prioritise safety, document everything, contact the right professionals, and take action to prevent future incidents. Having a plan in place and a trusted emergency glass repair contact on hand can make all the difference when time is ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if my storefront window is broken overnight?
Prioritise safety by moving people away from the area, assess the damage, and call emergency services if a break-in is suspected. Then contact a 24/7 commercial glass repair service.
Should I board up my store myself or wait for a professional?
If you have the tools and can do it safely, boarding up is a good short-term solution. However, if the glass is still falling or the area is unsafe, wait for trained technicians.
Will my commercial insurance cover broken glass repair?
Most commercial property insurance policies in Canada include coverage for accidental or criminal damage to storefront glass, though deductibles and limits may apply.
How quickly can emergency storefront glass repair services respond?
Many providers offer 1–2 hour response times, especially in major cities. Rural or remote areas may experience slight delays.
Can I stay open for business with a broken window?
It depends on the severity of the damage and local safety bylaws. If you can secure the area and maintain safety, limited operations may be possible.
What type of glass is best for storefront security?
Laminated and tempered glass are top choices. Laminated glass holds together when shattered, while tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard annealed glass.
How much does emergency glass replacement cost in Canada?
Prices generally range from $300 to $1,200 depending on the window size, type of glass, and whether a temporary board-up is needed.
What if the window was broken during a storm or natural disaster?
Storm-related damage is typically covered under commercial insurance, especially if your policy includes weather or flood coverage. Document everything thoroughly.
Is surveillance footage necessary for filing a police report or insurance claim?
It isn’t required but can be extremely helpful in identifying culprits and speeding up your insurance claim process.
How can I prevent future break-ins or vandalism to my storefront?
Consider upgrading to security film, laminated glass, motion lights, and cameras. Simple design changes like keeping valuable items out of the front display can also deter break-ins.
If you have any questions about our article “Storefront Windows Vandalized? Here’s A Step-By-Step Guide On What To Do Before Help Arrives” or need storefront window glass repair contact us at 416-524-9004 for a free quote.