Pictured above: Embassy Suites Resort at Lake Buena Vista is more energy efficient, safe and secure thanks to Engineered Sun and 3M Window Films. Above, right: Clear 3M Prestige Window Films block heat and ultraviolet but fill rooms with natural light.
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Case History Examples
These five case histories highlight a variety of real-world challenges addressed by 3M Window Films, and describe many of the project specifics and benefits realized. A link to download or print an Adobe Acrobat® PDF file is provided at the end of each case history.
AON Center Los Angeles
Embarcadero Center
Ford Motor Corporate Headquarters
Virginia Governors Mansion
National Gallery of Canada
Smash and Grab
Sedona Private Residence
Woodlands Private Residence
3M Anti-Graffiti Press Release
Tampa Tribune Burglary Article
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3M Night Vision® Window Film Saves Energy
and Improves Views for Los Angeles Skyscraper
Problem
At 62 stories, the AON Center, towering over the sweeping vistas of Los Angeles, is one of the world’s tallest buildings. Built in 1974, the AON Center features windows from top to bottom. To control heat and glare, the building’s management had window film applied to the glass in the late 1980s. But while the film did improve energy efficiency, most window films at that time had one serious flaw—eventually they acquired an unwelcome purplish tint. Almost two decades later, the AON Center was due for a facelift.
Solution
Motivated to increase the building’s energy efficiency and take advantage of new energy rebate offers, Operations Manager David Thompson called in two competing window film dealers to participate in an informal performance test. Harry Stallmach, owner of ADEC, Inc., an authorized 3M window film dealer, and his competitor each applied film to a test area. Building engineers then measured temperatures over a two-month period. “The 3M window film outperformed the competing film in both energy efficiency and price,” says Thompson. “In addition, the Department of Water and Power, which offered the rebates, wanted high light transmission. The 3M Night Vision window film offered that, plus the energy efficiency properties we wanted.” 3M Scotchtint® Night Vision window film is an innovative new line of window film that uses proprietary technology developed by 3M. “Often, films with the greatest sun control and glare reduction capabilities are so reflective that they are difficult to see through, especially at night,” says Stallmach.
“Night Vision blocks solar heat by up to 59 percent and UV rays by up to 99 percent, and it reduces glare by 72 percent, making it one of the top performers in the industry. And, when you’re on the inside looking out, the film’s low reflectivity gives you clear views—an important factor when you’re in L.A.” The same technology that tones down reflectivity also makes the Night Vision film color-stable, ensuring the color won’t change.
Results
Preliminary results indicate that the AON Center will realize annual energy savings of more than $200,000. Combining those savings with the energy rebates, Thompson expects the project’scost will be recovered in less than two years. “We’re now able to cool the building using outside air for more months out of the year,” he says. “And, on the really hot summer days, we’re able to run with one less chiller, which is significant savings.” Other pleasing results include fewer tenant comfort complaints, positive feedback about clearer views—even at night, and a noticeable improvement in the building’s exterior appearance.
The 3M Difference
While the performance of the 3M film and his relationship with Stallmach were the main selling points, Thompson says he was also impressed with the support that came from 3M’s corporate offices: “3M really stepped up to the plate. Night Vision was a new product, and they wanted to be sure we had all of the information we needed. They even brought in the person at 3M who invented the technology to show us how the film works. It was much more than we expected.”
Project Summary
Completed: May 2002
Time to complete: Four months
Surface area covered: 4,788 total window panes, which included 168,000 square feet of glass on the south, east, and west sides of the building. The north side will be completed in 2003.
3M Window Films: 3M Night Vision 25
Previous remedies attempted: None
Project notes: ADEC, Inc., had anticipated that the existing film would be difficult to remove. But, because the existing film was manufactured by 3M, ADEC could “sweat” off the old film, a process that involves heating up the adhesive to release it from the glass. It turned out to be a fairly simple process.
Download the Aon Center Case History
3M Night Vision® Window Film Reduces Heat and Glare
While Preserving Views for Embarcadero Center Tenants
Problem
Spanning five blocks in the heart of San Francisco’s prime commercial district, Embarcadero Center is one of the largest mixed-use complexes in the western United States. The center has four million square feet of office and retail space in five office towers, with three interconnected shopping levels in four of the towers.
While Embarcadero Center’s five office towers offer breathtaking panoramas of the city, tenants on the south, east and west sides of the towers often needed to close heavy draperies over vast windows to block intense heat gain and glare during the day.
“Many of our tenants chose the Embarcadero Center office towers because of the view space,” says Danny Murtagh, director of engineering for Boston Properties, which owns and manages the Embarcadero Center complex. “So naturally, they were not entirely satisfied when they had to cover their windows to stay comfortable on bright, sunny days.”
In addition, maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the five buildings during California’s sunny days was an ongoing—and expensive—challenge.
Solution
After several years of investigating various options and potential solutions to reduce heat gain and reflectivity, improve tenant comfort and cut down on energy use, Embarcadero Center property managers eventually zeroed in on window film.
“We watched window film technology evolve over the years, to the point where we felt we were ready to bring it to our five Embarcadero office towers,” Murtagh says. “Our original goals for a window film installation centered on tenant comfort and energy savings. But, during our investigation, we realized there was another substantial benefit we hadn’t initially considered—a significant reduction in ultraviolet rays. This had the potential to also improve the health and safety of our tenants and reduce wear and tear on their furnishings. We quickly realized that installing window film would be a win-win for everyone.”
The company interviewed several window film manufacturers and dealers, and extensively reviewed their technical capabilities. Ultimately, Murtagh says, they chose Climate Insulating Products, Inc., a 3M authorized dealer, citing 3M’s Night Vision window film product line, as well as the company’s worldwide name recognition and product warranties.
According to David Lundquist, president of Climate Insulating Products, the 3M Night Vision window film was the perfect choice for Embarcadero Center.
“We used 3M Night Vision 25 on the building”s south, east and west sides, because of the film’s superior ability to reduce solar heat and decrease glare,” says Lundquist. “We knew that alone would greatly improve tenant comfort. But with Night Vision“s low reflectivity, we also knew that tenants would finally have the ability to enjoy clear views both day and night.”
Often, films that reduce solar heat and glare are so reflective they are difficult to see through, especially at night. 3M Night Vision film blocks solar heat by up to 59 percent and UV rays by up to 99 percent, and it reduces glare by up to 72 percent—all while preserving views. The same technology that tones down reflectivity also makes Night Vision film color stable, ensuring that the color won’t change over time.
Results
As soon as the window film installation project was under way, tenants began reporting improvements, says Murtagh: “In fact, we even got a couple of calls asking us to turn up the air-conditioning thermostat, because now, on that warm southern face of the building, some of the tenants were cold!”Those energy savings are also translating into cost reductions, with an estimated $350,000 savings per year. In addition, Embarcadero Center received a substantial rebate for the window film installation from Pacific Gas and Electric. The energy savings made possible by 3M window films usually pay back the cost of the film and installation within three to five years; but in the case of Embarcadero Center, 3M estimates payback could be even sooner.
Following the installation project, Lundquist says several tenants hired Climate Insulating Products to install the 3M Night Vision film at their own homes.
The 3M Difference
“3M is a worldwide brand,” says Murtagh. “3M products are used throughout our industry—tapes, sealants, coatings, epoxy products, you name it. As a result, we felt comfortable putting our trust into 3M’s window film. As it turns out, the film installation accomplished all of our goals and more.”
Project Summary
Completed: 2004
Time to complete: Eight months
Surface area covered: More than 350,000 square feet
3M Window Films: 3M Night Vision 25 on the south, east and west sides of the buildings
Previous remedies attempted: Heavy lined draperies
Project notes: According to Brett Terry, a project manager, the company had to work around established tenants and extensive built-in furnishings, so most of the installation work was done at night.
Download the Embarcadero Center Case History
Ford Motor Company Improves Employee Comfort
While Cutting Energy Costs With 3M Scotchtint® Window Film
Problem
Ford Motor Company found it challenging to maintain comfortable temperatures for employees year-round in its 40-year-old headquarters in Detroit, a 12-story building faced almost entirely with glass. Glare from the sun also made it difficult for employees in the building to see computer screens.
Solution
After 40 years of trying various fixes to control temperatures in the building, Ford’s problem was solved when Specialty Protective Coatings, an authorized dealer for 3M Scotchtint® window films, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, applied P18AR Scotchtint® window film to every one of the building’s 3,083 windows. According to company owner Mike Roeder, Specialty Protective Coatings covered more than 83,000 square feet of glass. And, due to the expertise and efficiency of Specialty Protective Coatings’ experienced crew, the project was completed six weeks ahead of schedule.
Results
While the most important outcome has been improved comfort for its employees, Ford says the company is now enjoying the benefits of an energy consumption reduction, which could save them an estimated $57,000 a year in energy costs. Prior to the installation, Ford could cool the building no lower than 80 degrees on hot summer days. Now, even on 90-degree days, the building’s temperature has stayed at a comfortable 72 degrees.The company is also enjoying the benefits of the building’s improved appearance and the reduction of glare on computer screens.
In the building’s Trading Room, for instance, Ford employees had not been able to open their drapes for more than seven years, because the sunlight made it difficult to see their computer screens. Now those same employees enjoy being able to look outside during working hours.
The 3M Difference
Ford had three proposals, but only one from an authorized 3M Scotchtint® window film dealer. “They had seen our work before, and they liked the idea of using a 3M product because 3M has a great reputation,” says Roeder. “That had a lot to do with selling the project, because Ford knew that 3M would stand behind their service and their product.”
Project Summary
Completed: 1997
Time to complete: Three months
Surface area covered: 83,000 square feet (3,083 windows)
3M Window Films: P18AR Scotchtint® window film
Previous remedies attempted: Prior to installation, draperies and blinds were used. In addition, employees strategically taped pieces of paper on the windows to reduce glare.
Project notes: The average size of the windows was 29 square feet, and each application took approximately six to seven minutes to complete.
Download the Ford Motor Headquarters Case History
Virginia Governor’s Mansion Protected
With 3M Scotchshield® Ultra Safety & Security Film
Problem
The Virginia Governor’s mansion, built in 1813, is the oldest continuously occupied executive mansion in the nation. As project managers neared the completion of a six-month, $7.5 million renovation of the house, they pondered how best to protect the residence in two ways. First, they wanted to preserve the priceless antique furnishings and fabrics, hand-woven carpets, and artwork from the damaging effects of the sun. And second, they wanted to supplement the mansion’s safety and security system by making it difficult to break through the building’s glass windows and doors.
Solution
John Paul Hanbury, principal with Hanbury Evans Newill Vlattis & Company, the architectural firm hired to design the mansion’s renovation, had recently encountered similar issues on another project and had resolved them with the help of 3M window film.
As a result of that project’s success, he knew he could rely on 3M window film for the Governor’s mansion, so he consulted with Bob Coburn, of Glass Protection Services, an authorized 3M window film dealer in Norfolk, Virginia. Because the architect’s priority was maintaining the building’s aesthetics, Coburn recommended using a clear window film, SCARL 400 Superior Strength Clear, which is part of the 3M Scotchshield® Ultra Safety & Security line of window films. In addition to blocking up to 99% of the sun’s damaging UV rays, these window films dramatically increase the level of safety and security of glass windows and doors by serving as an invisible shield to make it extremely difficult to break through glass.
Within a week, Coburn’s team completed the installation of window film to more than 420 panels of glass.
Results
A week after the installation, Michael Wescott, project manager with contractors Daniel & Company, was so impressed with the results that he asked Glass Protection Services to return to install film to all 96 panels of the mansion’s security station. Since the restoration, hundreds of visitors have toured the mansion, unaware of the added protection preserving the building’s furnishings and increasing safety and security.
The 3M Difference
“Our hope was that the 3M window film would provide invisible protection for the Governor’s mansion, and that’s exactly what it did,” says Hanbury. “We did not install film on every single window of the mansion, and you can’t tell the difference between the windows that have it and the windows that don’t.”
Project Summary
Completed: 1999
Time to complete: One week
Surface area covered: More than 500 panels of glass.
3M Window Films: 3M Scotchshield® Ultra SCLARL400 Superior Strength Clear
Previous remedies attempted: Heavy draperies and blinds
Project notes: Renovation project managers were pleased to learn that the 3M Scotchshield® Ultra Safety & Security line of window films could protect furnishings from fading and sun damage, as well as increase the building’s security.
Download the Virginia Governor’s Mansion Case History
National Gallery of Canada Chooses
3M Scotchshield® Safety & Security Window Film
Problem
The National Gallery is a visual arts museum of international stature. It houses Canada’s collection of historic and contemporary art within a creative building consisting of many windows and skylights to cast natural daylight upon the nation’s treasures.
With the United States Embassy less than 300 meters away, the Gallery is placed in a high security risk area. Propelled by the forces of a terrorist bomb, flying glass fragments were just one of the wicked elements that attributed to 220 deaths and approximately 4,000 injuries when terrorist bombs exploded at U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania two years ago. Both RCMP and Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police recommended the implementation of a “comprehensive window protection system” for exposed areas of glass.
In addition to the technical security demands there were also concerns about maintaining the aesthetic impact of the Gallery. The architect, Moshe Safdie, was concerned about the visual effects film may have on the transmission of visible light into the Gallery.
Solution
Seven major North American companies were invited to bid on the project. The contract award was determined by using international technical standards developed with the assistance of Barry Weaymouth, an international security and safety consultant who provides security and safety consulting services for the Parliamentary Precinct and Building Projects in Canada.
After rigorous testing and application of film samples, authorized 3M distributor Convenience Group, along with Ottawa-based Lindian Enterprises Ltd, were awarded the contract to install clear 3M Scotchshield® Ultra High Performance Safety and Security Window Film on more than 5,000 of the gallery’s window surfaces. Installation began in May 2000 and was completed in November of the same year.
Results
By strengthening the window surfaces, the film (with Ultraflex anchoring) will substantially reduce the effects of flying shards of glass in the event of a terrorist bomb attack on the embassy.
The 3M Difference
“A building’s weak link during an explosive event or attempted vandalism is typically the glazed surfaces or windows,” says Ron Phelps, Project Supervisor, 3M Window Film Solutions, Specified Construction Markets. “The unique, tear resistant micro-layered structure of 3M Scotchshield® greatly reduces the threat of serious injury by holding the broken pieces of glass together.” 3M invented window film in 1966 and continues to be an industry leader in the development of products and solutions for safety and security needs around the globe.
Project Summary
Completed: 2000
Time to complete: Seven months
Surface area covered: 125,000 square feet
3M Window Films: 3M Scotchshield® Safety and Security Window Film SCLARL400 with Ultraflex
Project notes: All companies bidding on the project were required to install a sample of their film on a designated surface to allow the architect to judge the merits of the film on the glazed surface.
Download the National Gallery of Canada Case History
Smash-and-Grab Attempt Is a Bust:
Retailer Credits 3M Scotchshield® Ultra Safety & Security Film
Problem
A national retail chain recently experienced a break-in at a store in Stuart, Florida. Burglars smashed through the windows, reached in, and quickly grabbed $35,000 worth of jewelry, before police officers could respond to the store’s security alarm. The company wanted to do something to defend its assets in the event of another burglary attempt.
Solution
Store management researched solutions to increase the building’s security. They concluded that the existing security alarm system was ineffective for smash-and-grab crimes, because such burglaries take place before police officers reach the scene. They also considered installing shutters but were unhappy with their appearance.
Finally, they called in Joanne Schultz, owner of Tropic Tint, a local authorized 3M Scotchshield® security window film dealer. “Our 3M Scotchshield® Ultraflex system combines micro-thin layers of Scotchshield® security window film with a flexible attachment system to hold glass together—and in the window frame—when it’s under extreme stress,” says Schultz. “With this combination, it’s very difficult to break through the glass.” The store’s management team decided to move ahead with the installation of 3M Scotchshield® security window film because it provided an inconspicuous way to protect the building. It took Tropic Tint about a week to complete the project, which included installing more than 1,000 square feet of film on the store’s windows, sidelights, and doors.
Results
Just days after the window film was installed, there was another attempted burglary. Shortly after the store closed at 10 p.m., a burglar used a large, heavy metal object to smash the glass of a front door.
According to the police report, “His entry was hampered by the security film on the doors, and small blood drops were found leading away from the doors.” The burglar was unable to penetrate the 3M Scotchshield® window film, and because the broken glass was held together, the burglar’s attempts to reach through the window resulted in injury.
A witness saw him running from the scene. It is not surprising that, when the new glass was installed the following day, the store’s security manager insisted that new 3M Scotchshield® security window film also be applied immediately.
The 3M Difference
“The 3M Scotchshield® Ultraflex system did everything we had hoped it would do and then some,” says the store’s security manager.“We trusted the 3M name and the quality of its product, and I would say that we certainly got a great value for our money.We could not have asked for a better outcome.”
Project Summary
Completed: August 26, 1999
Time to complete: One week
Surface area covered: 1,000 square feet, including windows, doors, and sidelights
3M Window Films: 3M Scotchshield® SCLARL400
Previous remedies attempted: New security alarm system and shutters.
Project notes: After the glass was broken during a burglary attempt, Tropic Tint was on the scene the following day, installing new Scotchshield® security window film.
Download the Smash and Grab Case History
3M Scotchtint® Night Vision Window Film
Means Clear Views Day and Night in Sedona
Problem
When the owner of a 14,000 square foot dream home in Sedona, Arizona, designed his residence, he included numerous towering windows that invited splendid red rock mountain views on every side of his property. But along with those views, he knew he would have to contend with one problem—the sun. While he wanted to control the sun’s negative effects, such as damaging UV rays, glare, and heat, he didn’t want to compromise the views with heavy draperies or blinds.
Solution
The Sedona homeowner had encountered a similar issue at his manufacturing plant a year earlier. Working with local 3M Scotchtint® window film dealer Ross Kehl, owner of Synchronicity, Inc., he had 3M window film applied to the building’s windows.
“The 3M window film solved our heat and glare issues at the plant, so when we ordered windows for the house and couldn’t get them tinted before they were installed, I called Kehl in again,” the homeowner says. “He recommended the new 3M Night Vision window film.”
According to Kehl, Night Vision window film made sense for several reasons.
“The homeowner wanted a film that would control the effects of the sun while saving his unbelievable views,” says Kehl. “Night Vision film’s superior technology blocks UV rays almost completely, reduces solar heat by up to 59 percent, and decreases glare by 72 percent. But, best of all, when you’re on the inside looking out, the film’s low reflectivity gives you clear views—both day and night.”
Based on the location of the windows, Kehl used three out of the four shades in the Night Vision line. Windows facing north were covered with NV-35, the film with the lightest tint. For windows facing east, west, and south, he applied NV-25. Finally, the windows on the home’s elevator shaft were covered with NV-15, for maximum privacy.
Results
Preliminary results indicate that Night Vision window film will save the homeowner 10 to 15 percent in energy costs per year. Even so, the homeowner is more pleased with the film’s other benefits.
“The Night Vision film has given our home a nice shaded look—it’s just pleasing to the eye,” he says. “And, when I’m inside at night looking out into the lighted courtyards, the view is clear as day. Without the film, the glare from the lights would have prevented that.”
The 3M Difference
“3M is a quality product,” says the homeowner. “We’ve used other tinting companies in the past for our cars, but 3M offers a film that truly does what it says it will do.”
Project Summary
Completed: November 2002
Time to complete: Several months as home was built; window film was applied as windows were installed.
Surface area covered: 3,500 square feet
3M Window Films: 3M Scotchtint® Night Vision to include NV-35, NV-25 and NV-15
Previous remedies attempted: The windows have low-E glass. Window film was the only option considered for further protection.
Project notes: Applying window film up the home’s elevator shaft presented a challenge because of tight quarters and the awkward positions required to reach windows. In addition, since the home was still being constructed during much of the installation, special care had to be taken to eliminate dust particles from “floating” under the film as it was being applied.
Download the Sedona Case History
Fine Line Glass Tinting Helps Woodlands Family
Enjoy The Views With 3M Scotchtint® Window Film
Problem
In the Woodlands, a golf-centered community of 30,000 near Houston, Texas, most houses are designed with many large windows so residents can enjoy the spectacular views of the golf course. But along with fabulous views come the need for privacy, security, and protection from sun damage to furnishings.
Solution
Homeowners in the Woodlands, who usually discover these needs after moving into their new home, frequently call Fine Line Glass Tinting of Woodlands, Texas, in search of help. As an authorized 3M Scotchtint® window film dealer, Fine Line has installed window film on many homes in the community.
On the home pictured here, Fine Line owners Annie and Marty Johnston recommended covering more than 600 square feet of glass with a combination of RE35NEARL and RE20NEARL Scotchtint® window films. To block the heat and UV rays to the windows on the back of the house, they applied RE35NEARL. They used RE20NEARL to add protection from UV rays and increase privacy to the windows on the front of the house.
“In addition to needing privacy and protection for their furnishings, the homeowners were concerned about out of-control golf balls hitting and shattering the windows,” Annie Johnston says. “Both of the 3M Scotchtint® films we applied will give them added security because they bond tightly to glass and help hold shattered glass in place. This can reduce the dangers to the people inside the home if a window were to break.”
Johnston says the four-day installation was interesting because many of the windows were floor to ceiling, while others were small wood mini panes. “The various window sizes made it challenging,” she says. “But we brought in lots of different-sized ladders, and we put blankets under the ladders to protect the flooring.”
Results
The homeowners say they are pleased with the prospects of year-round protection for their furnishings, lower energy costs, and the added privacy and security. In addition, because 3M Scotchtint® window films block up to 99% of the sun’s UV rays, the homeowners can leave their drapes and blinds open to enjoy the views.
The 3M Difference
The homeowners were confident that Fine Line Glass Tinting would get the job done right. In addition to Fine Line’s excellent reference list, they knew that 3M would stand behind its products.
Project Summary
Completed: 1998
Time to complete: Four days
Surface area covered: 600 square feet
3M Window Films: RE35NEARL and RE20NEARL Scotchtint® Window Film
Project notes: A combination of window films solved homeowner concerns
about safety, security and protection from fading.
Download the Woodlands Case History
3M Introduces Anti-Graffiti Solution for Commercial Buildings
New films protect windows and other glass from vandals, offer Scotchgard® protection
ST. PAUL, MN, July 29, 2002— The 3M Consumer Safety and Light Management Department is introducing a new line of window films for commercial buildings to help combat the damage caused by graffiti.
Graffiti—such as etching, scratching, painting, and marking of glass—is an expensive and rapidly-growing problem worldwide. The new product offers the opportunity for major cost savings for owners and managers of commercial and public buildings.
Scotchgard® Anti-Graffiti Window Film is an optically clear, distortion-free film for windows, mirrors, and other surfaces. Useful for interior or exterior windows, mirrors, or glass, the film comes in two thicknesses for graffiti abatement in low-risk or high-risk situations. This film is particularly effective in resisting damage from glass-etching solutions used by vandals. When applied to glass, Scotchgard® film also offers the extra benefits blocking heat, glare, and 99 percent of damaging ultraviolet rays.
“When you consider that, in New York City alone, the average cost of removing graffiti has increased from $300,000 a year in 1993 to $10 million today, this new protective film adds important economic value,” said Rochelle Knops, Sales and Marketing Coordinator, 3M Consumer Safety and Light Management Department.
The 3M anti-graffiti solution offers many advantages:
- The new films take the brunt of etching, scratching, painting, markings, and other graffiti.
- Paints, permanent markings, and other stains can be easily removed from the protective surface without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Versatile films protect interior and exterior windows, mirrors, and other glass.
3M Introduces Anti-Graffiti Solution
When applied to surfaces that vandals often target, such as interior and exterior windows, mirrors, and other glass, the film provides protection by taking the brunt of graffiti damage. Paints, permanent markings, and other stains can be easily removed from the protective surface without the use of harsh chemicals. Because film damaged by etching or scratching can be easily removed and replaced with new film, using the protective film also eliminates the expense of conventional graffiti cleanup or the even-costlier total replacement of graffiti-damaged equipment or property.
“In the United States, the annual cost of graffiti abatement programs is estimated at $10 to $12 billion,” added Knops. “Scotchgard® Anti-Graffiti Window Film offers a cost-effective, common sense solution to the growing problem of vandals defacing public and private property. It also adds to the many innovative solutions that 3M products represent, and it makes a positive contribution to the environment and enjoyment of public places.”
3M, a Fortune 500 company based in St. Paul, Minnesota, holds the original window film patent and has been a leader in both adhesive and film technologies for more than 30 years. 3M brings together these disciplines to create the finest products available for both consumer and commercial use. The company offers the most comprehensive warranty in the industry for both film and installation.
Burglars get few bucks for their bangs
TAMPA. Thieves drive their way into three Carrollwood businesses Tuesday but leave with little to show for it.
The Tampa Tribune
Story originally published May 6, 1998
By Paulo Lima
Pictured at right: Kenneth Lyles of A-Christian Glass cleans up outside Computer Renaissance, the most severely damaged of three businesses rammed by burglars Tuesday morning. Credit: Bob Westenhouser/Tribune Photo.
Forget smash-and-grab break-ins. Burglars who struck three Carrollwood businesses Tuesday morning resorted to a crash-and-grab technique.
Between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, someone plowed a car or truck through the fronts of three businesses within two miles of one another on North Dale Mabry Highway.
While they seem to have the crashing part down, the thieves apparently need to work on the grabbing. They inflicted several thousands of dollars in damage to the businesses but got only a few telephones to show for their efforts.
Computer Renaissance at 14405 North Dale Mabry Highway had the most damage. The impact shattered two 5-by-7-foot glass panes and pushed their supporting metal beams into the store about a foot.
While the glass bore spider-webbed shatter patterns, it did not yield to the intruders. Store manager Jim Funk credited a protective window film they installed less than two months ago.
“We’ve had other incidents of attempted break-ins in the past, so we put in that 3M safety film on the windows,” Funk said. “We did something defensive, but we never thought about reinforcing the beams.”
Funk said preliminary estimates placed the damage to his store at $2,000.
Tire treads were visible on the sidewalk outside Uptech Computer, 11127 North Dale Mabry Highway. Again, the thieves failed to get inside the store, but managed to dislodge a portion of a wall beneath the storefront window.
The alarm drove the crooks away empty-handed.
About 7:00 a.m., the thieves got inside the GTE Phone Mart at 12400 North Dale Mabry Highway. A witness saw a green sport utility vehicle, possibly a Jeep Cherokee, backed up on the sidewalk.
The car shattered a glass front door, leaving its mangled metal remnants hanging by the hinges.
The thieves struggled to steal a fax machine on a display pedestal, but were unable to disconnect the wires. A few steps away, a stack of identical fax achines remained undisturbed in their boxes. The intruders escaped only with a few cordless phones and business telephone systems.
“It’s comical to me,” said David Greene, a sales clerk. “They obviously didn’t case the place.” [This] business is not unheard of, but such drastic measures are usually used on businesses that sell such items as jewelry and guns that are easier to peddle on the street.
“It doesn’t sound like it was someone who knew what they were doing,” said Hillsborough sheriff’s Detective Rick Garcia, who is investigating the burglaries.
Paulo Lima covers law enforcement in Hillsborough County and can be reached at 831-885-5437.
©1998 The Tampa Tribune A Media General Newspaper. Reprinted with permission.