Introduction
Ram-raid attacks have become one of the fastest-growing security threats across Australia, particularly targeting retail stores, shopping centres, service stations and commercial premises. In a ram-raid, offenders use a vehicle as a weapon to force entry through roller doors, shopfront glazing or structural access points, often completing the crime in less than ten seconds.
As we move into 2025, ram-raid incidents continue to rise across metropolitan and regional areas, prompting insurers, shopping centre operators and business owners to reassess their approach to physical security. This guide explores current ram-raid trends in Australia, the true cost of these attacks, and the most effective prevention strategies available today.
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What Is a Ram-Raid Attack?
A ram-raid attack occurs when offenders deliberately drive a vehicle into a building to gain rapid access to high-value goods, cash drawers, ATMs or safes. These attacks typically involve stolen vehicles and are often carried out late at night or in the early morning hours.
Unlike traditional break-ins, ram-raids rely on speed and brute force, not stealth. Roller doors, aluminium framing and shopfront glazing provide little resistance against a vehicle travelling at speed, which is why these attacks are so destructive.
Ram-Raid Trends in Australia (2024–2025)
Rising Incidents Across Major Cities
Australian police and media reports show a sustained increase in ram-raid activity across:
- Melbourne and Greater Victoria
- Sydney and Western Sydney
- Brisbane and South East Queensland
- Perth metropolitan areas
- Regional retail hubs
Luxury retailers, pharmacies, bottle shops, electronics stores and shopping centres are the most frequently targeted due to the high resale value of stolen goods.
Younger Offenders and Organised Groups
A growing number of ram-raid offences involve youth offenders, often working in organised groups. Stolen vehicles are commonly used, abandoned nearby, and replaced quickly — making reactive security measures ineffective.
Attacks Last Seconds — Damage Lasts Months
The physical attack may take less than ten seconds, but the consequences can include:
- Tens of thousands of dollars in structural damage
- Extended business downtime
- Loss of stock and equipment
- Increased insurance premiums
- Staff safety concerns
- Reputational damage
Why Traditional Security Measures Fail Against Ram-Raids
Many businesses rely on alarms, CCTV, roller doors and security shutters as their primary defence. While these systems are important, they are reactive, not preventative.
Common Weak Points:
- Roller doors buckle or detach under vehicle impact
- Shopfront glazing shatters instantly
- Alarms activate after entry has already occurred
- CCTV records the event but does not stop it
Once a vehicle breaches the entry point, there is little to prevent offenders from entering and exiting rapidly.
The True Cost of a Ram-Raid Attack
Beyond immediate damage, ram-raids create ongoing operational and financial risks:
- Insurance excesses and premium increases
- Extended repair timelines due to specialist trades
- Loss of trading income during closures
- Employee trauma and safety concerns
- Repeat targeting once a site is identified as vulnerable
For shopping centres and high-risk retail sites, ram-raid prevention is no longer optional — it is an operational necessity.
Ram-Raid Prevention: What Actually Works?
High-Security Anti Ram-Raid Bollards
The most effective method of preventing ram-raid attacks is the installation of high-security, impact-rated bollards positioned in front of vulnerable entry points.
When correctly engineered and installed, bollards:
- Physically block vehicle access
- Absorb and disperse impact energy
- Prevent structural penetration
- Protect roller doors, glazing and frames
- Stop the attack before entry occurs
Unlike alarms or cameras, bollards prevent the crime, rather than recording it.
What Are C.A.R. Tested Bollards?
C.A.R. stands for Cutting / Acetylene / Ram Raid Resistant — a testing regime widely recognised by the Australian security industry as the benchmark for high-risk retail environments.
Bollards that pass C.A.R. testing are designed to resist:
- Vehicle impact
- Cutting tools
- Acetylene torch attacks
Fixed vs Removable Bollards for Ram-Raid Protection
Fixed Bollards
- Best for permanent protection
- Ideal for shopfronts and roller doors
- Cast directly into concrete
- Highest impact resistance
Removable or Locking Bollards
- Allow controlled vehicle access
- Ideal for loading docks and service zones
- Lock securely in place when required
- Provide flexibility without compromising security
Choosing the right configuration depends on site layout, access requirements and risk level.
Ram-Raid Protection for High-Risk Industries
Industries most affected by ram-raids include:
- Shopping centres
- Pharmacies and chemists
- Jewellery and luxury retail
- Bottle shops
- Petrol stations
- Electronics retailers
- Warehouses and distribution centres
Each environment requires tailored bollard spacing, depth and installation methodology to achieve maximum protection.
Ram-Raid Protection Across Australia
Supamaxx provides Australia-wide ram-raid protection solutions, including design, manufacture and installation of high-security bollards for commercial and industrial sites.
Whether protecting a metropolitan shopping centre or a regional retail outlet, effective ram-raid prevention starts with engineering-grade physical barriers, not reactive security systems.
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is the Only Real Defence
Ram-raid attacks are fast, destructive and increasingly common across Australia. While alarms and cameras have their place, only physical vehicle-stopping barriers can truly prevent these attacks.
For businesses looking to protect their assets, staff and customers in 2025 and beyond, investing in professionally engineered, impact-rated bollards is the most effective line of defence.
Looking for Ram-Raid Protection?
If your business is at risk of ram-raid attacks, speak with Supamaxx about high-security, C.A.R. tested bollard solutions designed specifically for Australian conditions.
