Ram-raid attacks on UK shops cost businesses millions annually. Anti-ram bollards are the most effective physical deterrent, and many insurers now require them for high-value retail premises. This guide covers ratings, types, installation, and how to make the business case.
The Scale of the Problem
Ram-raids typically target jewellers, electronics stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. The attack vehicle (usually a stolen car or van) is driven at speed into the shopfront, and thieves have 60–90 seconds to grab stock before fleeing. Damage to the building often exceeds the value of stolen goods.
Security Ratings Explained
PAS 68 (now superseded by IWA 14-1 internationally) is the UK standard for vehicle security barriers. Products are crash-tested with a specific vehicle at a specific speed:
| Rating | Vehicle | Speed | Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAS 68 V/7500[N2]/48/90 | 7.5T truck | 48 km/h | <1m |
| PAS 68 V/7500[N2]/64/90 | 7.5T truck | 64 km/h | <1m |
| IWA 14-1 (72 km/h) | 7.2T truck | 72 km/h | <1m |
For most retail premises, a standard steel bollard with a deep root foundation (500mm+) provides adequate ram-raid protection without needing a formal PAS 68 rating. Rated bollards are specified for higher-risk sites: government buildings, crowded public spaces, critical infrastructure.
Types of Anti-Ram Bollard
Static steel bollards: The most cost-effective option. 114–219mm diameter steel tubes, root-fixed into 500mm+ concrete foundations. £100–£300 per bollard installed.
Decorative anti-ram: Designed to look attractive while providing vehicle resistance. Stainless steel, cast iron, or powder-coated finishes. Popular with heritage retail areas and high streets. £200–£600 per bollard.
Automatic rising bollards: Retract into the ground to allow authorised vehicle access, then rise to provide protection. £2,000–£5,000+ per bollard. Used at controlled access points.
Installation
Anti-ram bollards must be root-fixed — bolt-down bollards do not provide sufficient ram-raid resistance. Installation involves excavating a 500mm+ deep hole, setting the bollard root in concrete, and allowing 48–72 hours curing time.
Spacing should be 1.2–1.5m centres, covering the full width of the vulnerable shopfront. Don't forget to protect the sides — attackers may target adjacent areas where bollards are absent.
Insurance Benefits
Many commercial insurers offer reduced premiums for premises with anti-ram bollards. Some require them as a condition of cover for high-value retail. The cost of bollard installation (typically £2,000–£5,000 for a standard shopfront) is often recovered within 1–2 years through premium reductions.
Always check with your insurer before specifying — they may have specific requirements regarding bollard type, spacing, and foundation depth.
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