Fog cannons the newest anti-robbery tool in New Zealand

Fog cannons are the newest weapon being used at gasoline stations and luxury fashion stores such as Prada and Louis Vuitton in New Zealand to ward off thieves, reported the New Zealand Herald.

A CCTV footage of a burglary attempt that took place in a Mobil service station on East Tamaki Road in Auckland on December 23 showed how the activated fog cannon filled the entire store with white cloud of mist even before the thieves could finish smashing the door and break in.

"One of the offenders got through the smashed door, but once he was in realised it was a hopeless case and they left," said Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Tiernan.

This newest crime prevention weapon, sold by Protect Global New Zealand, is activated by an emergency button and can fill 2700cu/m per minute with dense fog.

Though it produces zero visibility, the fog is harmless. It smells of peppermint and made of a combination of glycol and water forced through a heated element.

Installing fog cannons can cost up to NZD 5,000 (USD 3,372), but according to Detective Tiernan, "it prevents offenders from getting anything."