Break-ins and theft are huge problems for retail businesses in Australia, with reports saying the issue costs the industry up to $9 billion per year.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 45% of theft-related incidents happen in a retail environment. Because of this, security is essential, particularly after hours when your premises are unattended.
The problem in the past has been challenges in responding when thieves show up. Even with security cameras watching and alarms blaring, criminals know they have time up their sleeves to grab what they want.
Fortunately, there is an option that changes this: an effective fog security system.
Why your store needs a fog security system
Thieves rely on speed and surprise.
During business hours, smash-and-grab attacks often clear out showcases or registers in minutes, well before response teams arrive. Night-time break-ins follow a similar script, but thieves have even more time to steal and cause damage.
An effective fog security system cuts through these scenarios by being triggered as soon as the thief violates the protected area that you nominate. It works by filling the space with dense, harmless fog in just seconds. The fog reduces visibility, and an additional strobe and siren completely disorients the perpetrator, causing them to flee the premises empty-handed in 97% of cases.
A fog security system delivers these benefits from the moment it is installed:
- Thief deterrent: Fog makes it impossible for intruders to see what’s around them.
- Staff safety: Panic buttons or automatic triggers create a distance between offenders and staff, reducing confrontation.
- Response time buffer: The fog ‘buys time’ for police or patrols to reach the scene.
- Layered protection: Fog works alongside alarms, CCTV, access control, bollards and grilles to create a more comprehensive shield.
- Operational continuity: Even if break-ins happen, theft is reduced, which reduces downtime for your business.
- Stock protection: At the end of the event, your cash and stock is safe because thieves have been more focused on escaping than stealing.
How fog security works:
- Instant activation: The fog deploys as soon as a breach is detected in a protected space, or as soon as a team member activates the hidden button or through their personal safety device.
- Rapid release: Fog gushes out and fills the space in just a few seconds.
- Zero visibility: In under 10 seconds, visibility drops to near zero and confusion and fear set in.
- Forced retreat: Unable to see what’s in front of them, intruders flee empty-handed.
Find out more about fog security systems here.
Is a fog security system right for your store?
The following retail environments have experienced first-hand the enormous benefits that our fog security system brings:
- Jewellery and luxury goods: Protects showcases and safes from smash-and-grab attempts.
- Pharmacies: Secures dispensaries and storage areas, particularly after hours.
- Electronics and phone retailers: Shields high-value wall bays, cages and displays.
- Liquor and convenience stores: Provides improved security cover overnight and during holiday periods when response times stretch.
- Warehouses and back rooms: Thieves often see these spaces as opportunities, particularly when staff numbers are limited.
Fog security protects more than stock. The non-toxic cover can prevent staff and customers from being injured by thieves in the course of a break-in. It also delivers greater peace of mind while they are at work.
Why retailers choose Smokeshield
Smokeshield’s UR Fog Security System is the world’s most advanced fogging system and outperforms other fog machines in several ways.
- Fastest response: Fills 1500m3 in 48 seconds, which is much faster than any other system.
- Longer resilience: 2-hour backup vs 20 minutes on most other systems
- Lower running costs: Consumes just 48W, compared to 1,350 - 2,100W with other brands.
- Flexible installation: Ceiling, wall, desktop or hidden cupboard - more options than competitors.
- Certified and trusted: EN 50131-8 certified, food safe certified, used in 80+ countries.
Our service includes:
- Site assessments to identify risks
- Professional installation (with minimal disruption to your day-to-day operations)
- Integration with existing alarms, CCTV and access systems
- Ongoing maintenance to keep protection reliable
With 40+ years of experience and a strong focus on practical retail security, Smokeshield gives retailers the confidence to trade knowing their business has a solid line of defence.