Shropshire businesses try out new intruder fog machine
'I’m a criminal, now get me out of here' is the response Shropshire businesses hope an innovative fog cannon aimed at catching intruders will achieve.
Business operators have been given a chance to fire the device after West Mercia Police and SmartWater have joined forces to show companies in Telford the effectiveness of the SmartWater Fog Cannon.
The system has been developed in a joint venture between SmartWater and fog security specialists, Protect.
Built using SmartWater technology, the device works by covering offenders in forensic liquid that contains a unique code. It is undetectable by the naked eye but glows brightly under UV lighting. The code is then registered with the location of the owner and can be used to track criminals and help return stolen items to their owners.
Companies in Halesfield, Telford, were invited to go along to a special demonstration at Freeman Plant Hire to see how the new product worked with a view to protecting businesses.
Once the SmartWater Fog Cannon is activated, Protect security fog obscures the intruder’s vision in seconds, driving them out of the building and covering them in trackable liquid.
With all officers in West Mercia equipped with UV torches, an amount of SmartWater spray equivalent in size to a speck of dust is all that is needed to help police with identification.
Benefits
Carys Baskeyfield, West Mercia Police design out crime officer for Telford Local Policing area, said: “The event was organised to demonstrate how a forensic spray system integrated with a security fog unit deters potential criminals.
“It sprays intruders with a clear unique forensic solution while the fog obscures the vision of offenders, giving them little option but to retreat.
“It was great to be able to show people how it works and the great benefits of using it.”
Rachael Oakley, of SmartWater, said: “We have a close working relationship with the police and this is the latest collaboration aimed at informing businesses how they can fight back to protect their property.
“The demonstration showcased the system to businesses, highlighting its capabilities through practical demonstration.
“Our products are already widely used in crime prevention and detection and we believe this latest development will be a strong deterrent in reducing crime.”
West Mercia Police recently extended its We Don’t Buy Crime towns and villages, which use Smartwater technology, to industrial estates with Stafford Park,in Telford, becoming the first industrial estate to become protected.
The initiative will now be rolled out across Halesfield.
