Today I’m going to show you exactly how to choose the perfect security screen for your business – even if you’ve never bought one before.
I know choosing security screens can feel confusing. There are different materials, thicknesses, and costs to think about. Many business owners tell us they worry about making the wrong choice and wasting money.
And in this no-nonsense guide, I’ll cut out all the confusion and show you exactly how to pick the right security screen for your needs – step by step.
What Exactly Are Security Screens?
Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what security screens actually are.
Simple Definition: Security screens are clear, strong barriers made from special plastic. They protect your business from break-ins, theft, and damage while still letting people see through them.
Real Example: Think of the clear barrier at your local bank. You can see the teller clearly and talk through it, but it’s strong enough to stop someone from reaching through or breaking it.
Why They Work: Security screens work in three ways:
- They create a physical barrier that’s very hard to break
- They show criminals your business is protected (so they move on)
- They give your staff a safe space to work
Now that you understand what security screens are, let’s talk about why your business probably needs them.
Why Crime in Tasmania Makes Security Screens Essential
Here’s something that might surprise you: Crime in Tasmania has gotten much worse over the last few years.
The ABC reported in April 2025 that police are working overtime to handle youth crime in areas like Glenorchy. Pulse Tasmania also shared concerns about gang activity affecting local businesses.
What This Means for Your Business:
- Break-ins during closed hours are up
- Grab-and-run theft is more common
- Staff feel less safe at work
- Insurance claims are rising
The Cost of Not Being Protected: Sarah from a Sandy Bay café learned this the hard way. Last year, thieves smashed her front window and stole $2,000 worth of equipment. The window repair cost another $800. Total damage: $2,800.
“I wish I had installed security screens sooner,” Sarah told us. “It would have saved me thousands and a lot of stress.”
Worried about protecting your business? Get help choosing the right screens today.
Discover Which Material Saves You Money and Keeps You Safer
Here’s where many business owners get confused. There are two main types of security screen materials, and picking the wrong one can cost you money or leave you unprotected.
Acrylic Security Screens: When “Good Enough” Is Perfect
What It Is: Acrylic is clear plastic that looks like glass but won’t shatter into dangerous pieces.
Best For:
- Display cases and counters
- Low-risk indoor areas
- Businesses with smaller budgets
- Areas where looks matter most
Real Example: Mike’s electronics shop in Hobart uses acrylic screens for his phone display cases. “Customers can see the phones clearly, and I don’t worry about smash-and-grab theft anymore,” Mike says.
Cost: Starting from around $150 per screen
Polycarbonate Security Screens: Maximum Protection When You Need It
What It Is: Polycarbonate is super-strong plastic that’s 250 times stronger than glass. Police riot shields are made from this stuff.
Best For:
- Front doors and windows
- High-crime areas
- Cash register zones
- Anywhere you face serious theft risk
Real Example: After three break-in attempts in six months, Jenny’s pharmacy switched to polycarbonate screens on all street-facing windows. “Zero break-ins since then,” she reports.
Cost: Starting from around $250 per screen
The Big Mistake Most Businesses Make: Many business owners choose acrylic everywhere to save money upfront. But if someone breaks through and steals $5,000 worth of goods, that “savings” just cost you thousands.
Not sure which material fits your risk level? Our experts can help you decide.
5 Critical Areas Every Business Must Protect
Most business owners protect the obvious spots but miss these critical areas where thieves actually strike:
1. Entry Points: Your First Line of Defense
Protect: Front doors, back doors, any windows that open Use: Polycarbonate (always) Why: This is where 80% of break-ins happen
2. Cash Handling Areas: Where Money Changes Hands
Protect: Cash registers, service counters, payment areas Use: Polycarbonate for high-volume areas, acrylic for quiet shops Why: Thieves target where they see money
3. High-Value Displays: What Thieves See and Want
Protect: Product showcases, jewelry displays, electronics Use: Acrylic (unless street-facing, then polycarbonate) Why: Visible valuable items attract criminals
4. Staff Work Areas: Keeping People Safe
Protect: Reception desks, office areas, break rooms Use: Acrylic is usually enough Why: Staff safety should be your top priority
5. After-Hours Visibility: What Shows When You’re Closed
Protect: Any area visible from the street when closed Use: Polycarbonate Why: Thieves check out businesses after hours
Pro Tip: Walk around your business at night. What can thieves see? Those areas need protection.
Choose the Right Thickness Without Overspending
Here’s the truth about thickness: Thicker isn’t always better. The right thickness depends on your specific needs.
Thin Screens (3-6mm): Budget-Friendly Protection
Best For:
- Indoor display cases
- Low-risk areas
- Temporary installations
Real Example: Tom’s bookstore uses 3mm acrylic for his rare book display. “Perfect for showing the books while keeping hands off,” he says.
Medium Screens (6-12mm): The Sweet Spot for Most Businesses
Best For:
- Service counters
- Most commercial applications
- Good balance of protection and cost
Why This Thickness Works: Our 10mm polycarbonate stopped a hammer attack at a Hobart electronics store last year. The thief’s hammer bounced right off.
Thick Screens (15mm+): Maximum Security
Best For:
- High-crime locations
- Extremely valuable items
- Banks and high-risk businesses
When You Need This: If you’ve been targeted multiple times or work in a known high-crime area.
Need help calculating the right thickness for your situation? Contact our team.
Custom Sizes: Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work
Here’s what most business owners don’t know: Every business is different, and your security screens should be too.
Why Custom Sizing Matters:
- Gaps around standard sizes let thieves pry screens off
- Perfect fit looks more professional
- No weak spots for criminals to exploit
What We Can Custom Make:
- Any window size (we’ve done tiny shop windows to huge storefronts)
- Unusual shapes (curved displays, angled counters)
- Multiple panel systems
- Special cutouts for card readers or intercoms
The Measuring Process: We can guide you through measuring, or visit your business for precision measurements. Most screens are ready within days.
Made in Tasmania: Why Local Matters When Crime Strikes
When you need security fast, waiting weeks for imported screens isn’t an option. Here’s why choosing locally-made screens from Associated Plastics Tasmania makes sense:
Speed When You Need It:
- Most orders completed within 3-5 days
- Emergency orders possible for urgent situations
- No shipping delays from overseas
Local Knowledge:
- We understand Tasmanian crime patterns
- Know local building requirements
- Familiar with common business layouts
Support When You Need It:
- Easy adjustments if something doesn’t fit
- Local phone support
- We’re here when you have questions
Real Story: After a break-in attempt on Friday night, David’s hardware store called us Monday morning. We had custom screens installed by Thursday. “I didn’t miss a day of business,” David says.
Avoid These Expensive Mistakes
After helping hundreds of Tasmanian businesses, we’ve seen these costly mistakes over and over:
Mistake #1: Choosing Price Over Protection
The Problem: Saving $200 on cheaper screens, then losing $5,000 in a break-in The Solution: Match your security level to your risk level
Mistake #2: Only Protecting Obvious Areas
The Problem: Thieves find the unprotected side window or back door The Solution: Think like a thief – protect every entry point
Mistake #3: Waiting Until After the First Break-In
The Problem: First break-in costs more than screens would have The Solution: Protect yourself before you become a target
Mistake #4: DIY Installation of Security Screens
The Problem: Poorly installed screens fail when you need them most The Solution: Get professional installation (we can recommend installers)
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan
Ready to protect your business? Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Walk Your Business Like a Thief
- Check all doors and windows after dark
- Note what valuable items are visible
- Identify your weakest points
Step 2: Decide Your Protection Level
- High-risk areas: Polycarbonate
- Display areas: Acrylic or polycarbonate
- Indoor partitions: Acrylic
Step 3: Get Professional Help
- Contact us with your measurements and needs
- We’ll recommend the right materials and thickness
- Get a quote that fits your budget
Step 4: Order Your Custom Screens
- We’ll create screens that fit perfectly
- Most orders ready within days
- Get installation recommendations
Step 5: Install and Feel Secure
- Professional installation recommended
- Test everything works properly
- Sleep better knowing you’re protected
The Bottom Line: Protection You Can Afford
Here’s what you need to remember:
Security screens work – they stop break-ins, protect staff, and give you peace of mind.
The right material matters – acrylic for low-risk areas, polycarbonate for high-risk zones.
Custom sizing is crucial – gaps and poor fit create weak spots thieves exploit.
Local manufacturing saves time – when you need protection fast, we deliver.
As crime continues rising in Tasmania, security screens offer a practical solution that protects without changing how your business looks or feels to customers.
Don’t wait for the first break-in to take action. The cost of protection is always less than the cost of being a victim.
Take Action Today
You now have everything you need to choose the right security screens for your business. But information without action won’t protect you.
Here’s what successful business owners do next: They contact us within 24 hours to get started. They don’t wait for crime to find them.
Before you go: Leave a comment and let me know – which area of your business are you most worried about protecting? This helps us create even better content for business owners like you.
Ready to protect your business properly? Contact Associated Plastics Tasmania today. We’ll help you choose security screens that fit your needs, budget, and timeline.
Don’t become another crime statistic. Take action now.
