Choosing the Best Bollards to Prevent Ram Raids: A Comprehensive Security Guide

The sound of shattering glass and crunching metal is a nightmare for any business owner. In recent years, “ram raids”—a crude but effective method where criminals drive vehicles through storefronts to steal ATMs, high-end goods, or cash—have become an increasingly prevalent security threat. Unlike subtle burglaries, a ram raid is violent, fast, and devastatingly destructive.

While alarm systems and CCTV are essential for investigation, they are reactive. To actually stop a vehicle in motion, you need physical resistance. Enter the security bollard. However, not just any metal post will do. To protect your property against a moving vehicle, you need specific engineering and strategic placement.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best anti-ram bollards to secure your perimeter.

Understanding the Threat: Why Standard Barriers Fail

It is a common misconception that a concrete planter or a standard traffic control post will stop a determined ram raider. A mid-sized vehicle traveling at just 30 mph (48 km/h) generates a massive amount of kinetic energy. Standard street furniture will simply shear off or crumble upon impact.

To prevent a ram raid, you need High-Security Bollards (often referred to as HVM or Hostile Vehicle Mitigation) that are specifically tested to withstand high-velocity impacts and transfer that energy into the foundation rather than snapping.

The Science of Stopping Power: Crash Ratings Explained

When shopping for anti-ram bollards, you cannot rely on visual appearance alone. You must look for certification. The industry relies on specific crash-test ratings.

• PAS 68 (Publicly Available Specification 68): The UK standard and a global benchmark. It specifies a classification for vehicle security barriers and their foundations.
• IWA 14: The International Workshop Agreement, which combines elements of various international standards to create a global classification.
• ASTM F2656: The US standard for crash testing perimeter barriers.

Pro Tip: Look for a rating code (e.g., V/7500/48/90). This tells you the bollard was tested against a vehicle weighing 7,500kg traveling at 48km/h with a 90-degree impact angle. If a supplier cannot provide crash test data, the bollard is likely for decoration, not protection.

Types of Anti-Ram Bollards

Once you understand the required impact rating, you must decide on the functionality. Security needs to balance with accessibility.

1. Fixed Bollards

These are permanently embedded into the ground. They offer the highest level of security for the lowest maintenance cost.

• Best for: Storefront perimeters, corners of buildings, and areas where vehicles should never enter.
• Pros: High strength, no moving parts, cost-effective.
• Cons: Cannot be moved for delivery trucks or emergency access.

2. Retractable (Automatic) Bollards

These bollards rise from the ground hydraulically or electrically. They are the gold standard for areas requiring flexible security.

• Best for: Car dealership entrances, luxury retail loading bays, and private driveways.
• Pros: Seamless aesthetics, remote control operation.
• Cons: Higher installation cost, requires electricity and regular maintenance.

3. Removable Bollards

These sit in a specialized socket and can be manually unlocked and lifted out. Unlike retractable versions, they do not require power.

• Best for: Weekly markets, event spaces, or rear doors that only require occasional access.
• Pros: Flexible access without the cost of automation.
• Cons: Heavy to lift manually; requires storage when removed.

Critical Installation Factors

Buying the right bollard is only half the battle. If installed incorrectly, even a K-rated bollard will fail.

Foundation Depth and Shallow Mounts

Traditional high-security bollards require deep excavation to create a concrete anchor. However, in urban environments, underground utilities (gas, water, electric) often make digging deep impossible.

The solution is the Shallow Mount Bollard. These are connected to a steel plate or “biscuit” that sits just below the surface. The width of the plate provides the structural integrity, requiring a depth of only a few inches.

Spacing (The 1.2-Meter Rule)

To prevent a ram raid, spacing is critical. You must ensure the gap between bollards is wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers (usually a minimum of 900mm) but narrow enough to stop a compact car.

The industry standard recommendation is a maximum clear distance of 1.2 meters (approx. 4 feet) between bollard faces. This prevents even small vehicles from squeezing through.

Balancing Security with Aesthetics

Business owners often worry that installing bollards will make their storefront look like a fortress. Fortunately, modern security design has come a long way.

• Sleeves: You can place decorative sleeves (stainless steel, plastic, or bespoke designs) over the crash-rated core. If a car scratches the post, you simply replace the sleeve rather than the structural steel.
• Lighting: Bollards can be fitted with LED lighting caps, serving a dual purpose of security and ambient street lighting.
• Street Furniture: Some crash-rated barriers are disguised as benches, planters, or bike racks.

Conclusion: An Investment in Continuity

A ram raid does more than just break a window; it disrupts business continuity, skyrockets insurance premiums, and damages your brand’s reputation. Choosing the best bollards to prevent ram raids is not an expense—it is an investment in the longevity of your business.

The Checklist for Success:

1. Assess your threat level (what size vehicle can build up speed approaching your site?).
2. Select a bollard with the appropriate crash rating (PAS 68 / IWA 14).
3. Choose the operation type (Fixed, Automatic, or Removable).
4. Hire certified installers to ensure the foundation can handle the impact.

By making the right choice today, you ensure your storefront remains standing tomorrow.