Window Watch

As the number of home invasions surges, Toronto residents are turning to one company dedicated to protecting families with the simple strength of security window film.

By Christina Armanious

“I sleep very well at night. No one’s coming into my house. The only way you’re getting in is if you’re Spider-Man and you climb up and break my skylight,” says Gary Cohen, principal at Window Armour. His company’s security window films have safeguarded Toronto homeowners—himself included—for years.

With home invasions on the rise, Cohen has never been busier. “Did you watch the news this week?” he asks, referencing a fatal home invasion in Vaughan that left residents shaken and eager to protect their homes. He notes demand is especially high in North York and Vaughan—particularly Woodbridge and Kleinburg—where organized crews often target luxury homes.

“Fifty per cent of the break-ins occur from smashing a window to unlock the door or [breaking] a window in the back to come through,” he explains. Window Armour combats this with security window film, which he likens to “an iPhone protector for your windows,” applied to both sides of the pane to slow down and deter intruders. 

“Window Armour is more than a business—it’s a mission born of lived experience and a determination to protect families.”

Extra security, such as monitored alarms, cameras, or motion-activated lights, is important and helps discourage break-ins. But in Cohen’s experience, that alone isn’t enough. “The best thing to do is reinforce your home,” he says, noting that security film works best in tandem with other safety measures.

The films have proven their strength. Cohen recalls one Richmond Hill client whose home was targeted: “These guys were smashing the window for 19 minutes, and I couldn’t believe it. I’ve heard of five minutes; I’ve heard of 10 minutes, but not 19. They didn’t get in. They just gave up.”

Cohen’s business began with a personal need for change. He recalls living in a bungalow near Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue shortly after he and his wife welcomed their first baby. “Two guys came to my front door, smashed the glass, unlocked the door and took my 50-inch plasma TV, which was my wedding gift.” Frustrated and determined to protect his family, Cohen started Window Armour. Looking back, he has no regrets. “I’m actually glad that happened,” he admits. 

In the years following COVID-19, as people returned to work, he noticed a sharp rise in crime. What started as a business focused on residential windows has since expanded to protect schools, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and even nail salons.

For Cohen, Window Armour is more than a business—it’s a mission born of lived experience and a determination to protect families from the same vulnerability he once faced. In a city where crime is becoming increasingly unpredictable, his message is simple: preparedness is power.