At-risk retail businesses in Northland are keen to capitalise on a government subsidy to install fog cannons as an added security measure against being robbed.
Police Minister Stuart Nash has announced retailers, particularly dairy owners identified by police to be at risk of robberies, would fork out just $250 for a fog cannon while the Government picked up the rest of the $4000 tab.
The previous Government set aside $1.8 million for the installation of devices like audible alarms, fog cannons, and DNA spray on 50-50 cost share basis between the state and businesses.
However, Mr Nash said a 50 per cent contribution was beyond the reach of many so the Government has decided greater financial support was needed.
A fog cannon can cost up to $4000, a DNA spray system more than $3000 and it's about $1700 for an audible alarm. Most small to medium retailers in Northland rely on CCTV cameras but some already have fog machines installed.