New Auto Window Film from CPFilms Thwarts Smash-and-Grab Theft

CPFilms has an automotive film for windows that you can have installed and apparently it will stop people from doing smash and grab thefts. Maybe I should get this installed on my new truck?

The scenario is simple. You’re stopped at a stoplight, computer bag sitting on the passenger seat. While you’re watching, waiting for the light to turn, a young man walks up to the car, sees the computer, and in an instant, smashes the window with a hammer and snatches the case. Within seconds, he’s out of sight, ducking between cars carrying your laptop and its irreplaceable contents.

These are the “buitres via expressa,” or “vultures of the highway” as they are known in Latin America, and they’re a growing problem in urban areas all over the world. Thieves prey upon victims careless enough to leave a purse, camera, or laptop in plain view even while driving.

A few excerpts:

Mexico City, Mexico: Figures from the prosecutor’s office in the capital show that in the last 10 months of 2005, 75 vehicles a day were subject to robberies, and four out of 10 of these involved violence. (Glass-Technology International, February, 2006)

Durban, South Africa: “Major Durban glass fitment companies say they replace about 30 smashed [car windows a day, mainly through smash-and-grab crimes …The victims are mostly women and often thieves will strike even if there is more than one person in the vehicle.” (Daily News, Sept. 9, 2004)

London, England: The cost of car crimes in Britain has soared by almost 40% to £1.1 billion ($2.25 billion U.S.) over the last 12 months, with a vehicle being attacked every 13 seconds, it was claimed today….Criminals’ average haul from an attack was now £458, a big rise on the £329 average last year, according to figures complied by windscreen replacement company Autoglass. (Oct. 26, 2005)

More and more car owners are turning to laminate security window film to deter the opportunistic thief. Once only the purview of the most expensive lines of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes vehicles, this multilayered, optically clear polyester film can be professionally installed as a retrofit application in a matter of hours, protecting the occupants from smash-and-grab thievery. Some types can protect against heat gain, damaging ultraviolet rays, and road noise as well.

CPFilms Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive safety and security window films, says domestic and international business is up significantly in the past five years, in part because of drivers’ increased awareness of security film products and post-9/11 concerns.

“Police estimate that the glass is the entry route for at least 60 percent of unauthorized entries into light passenger vehicles,” says Pam Feese, marketing manager, CPFilms International Division. “Furthermore, a 10-second delay in entry is often sufficient to discourage the thief—the increased noise calls attention to what they are trying to do.”

CPFilms manufactures and processes more than 100 types of film. Its top-of-the-line brand, LLumar® safety and security films, is a professionally installed product with a factory-backed warranty for the life of the vehicle. Films solely designed for solar protection are available as well.

LLumar® is optically clear, with no visual distortion for the driver. A variety of thicknesses and tints are available for every climate and security need.

What Can You Do?
In addition to window film application, Feese says drivers can help prevent theft by keeping valuables out of sight and parking in well-lit areas. “Packages should be placed in the trunk prior to arriving at your final destination, and never, NEVER leave your car running and unlocked. An unoccupied, running vehicle is too great a temptation for a thief.”

Ultimately, however, window film is your best insurance if you live in or travel through congested urban areas. The cost of the protection varies by film type, thickness, and size of the vehicle, but applications are reasonably priced. “Our customers tell us that, compared to the cost of replacing a laptop computer, the security window film is a bargain,” she says.

CPFilms Inc., makers of LLumar® films, manufactures and processes more than 100 types of professional automotive, building, safety/security and decorative film. LLumar® films are designed to meet international standards, come with a factory-backed warranty, and are professionally installed. For governments, multi-national companies, and organizations having facilities around the world, LLumar® provides the perfect solution for up-grading current glazing systems. Through our global network of factory trained and authorized dealers, each vehicle or facility, regardless of location, receives the same high-quality film and same expert installation services..

CPFilms is headquartered in Martinsville, Virginia, USA, with manufacturing sites in the United States and the United Kingdom. Sales and distribution offices are strategically located around the world. CPFilms is a business unit of Solutia Inc,, a world-class chemical company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. CPFilms is an ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company: Certificate #FM 35957.