Protecting your business has never been more important. But how much do you know about fog cannons and their benefits? Keep reading as we dive in to everything you need to know about this fantastic additional to all commercial security systems.
Fog cannons can protect businesses from the threat of theft by obscuring the vision of intruders. They are sometimes referred to as “security smoke machines” or simply, “smoke screens” and are most often used in the banking and retail industries.
A fog cannon can be integrated into existing security systems so it operates when an intruder is detected. A powerful jet of smoke is dispelled from the cannon, filling a room in a matter of seconds. The fog is harmless but it acts as a very effective visual barrier against thieves looking to steal valuable items. Because they cannot see the contents of the room, they have no choice but to retreat and leave the premises.
In the current climate, commercial security is a growing concern. Official figures show a significant rise in robbery of business property, which saw a 54% increase in the last year, highlighting the immediate need for robust, dynamic defence systems. Fog cannons offer a dynamic solution that complements conventional measures like integrated security services by denying the criminal the ability to operate immediately. This proactive approach is essential for any organisation serious about protecting its assets.
Fog cannons can help to stop thieves stealing highly value property. For example, a criminal gaining access to a car showroom will not be able to take a car if they cannot see anything in the room. Fog can linger for up to one hour, which means they cannot simply wait for it to clear. They must flee. This is an increasingly necessary deterrent, particularly for businesses within the protecting the UK retail sector where organised crime has driven theft costing the industry over £2.2 billion in losses, according to the British Retail Consortium.
In certain scenarios, fog cannons can also protect people as well as property. An example of this is a fog cannon being deployed in a bank when a thief threatens staff. If the intruder cannot see staff members, then they will be unable to target them and become violent. This immediate incapacitation of the intruder’s vision can be a lifesaver, especially in high-risk environments.
The smoke dispelled from fog cannons cannot hurt intruders. It is most commonly formed from substances such as water, glycol and glycerine – ingredients also found in toothpaste and pharmaceuticals. However, a startled thief may not realise this and may mistake the smoke as toxic. Their natural instinct will be to run from the building.
When a fog cannon is activated, the smoke screen typically lingers in the air for up to one hour. Once this time is up, there is no residue left behind or mess to clear up. This means that businesses will not be disrupted as a result of a fog cannon being deployed. For sensitive environments, such as data centres or healthcare facilities, this is a critical advantage over other aggressive security measures.
If businesses have fog security systems in place then they should advertise this to thieves who may be looking to target their property. Criminals are much less likely to target a premises if they know that they will have a smokescreen to contend with. Modern security fog systems are part of building a robust security-first culture and are often highly visible, acting as a powerful psychological barrier. For businesses, implementing fog cannons demonstrates a proactive stance on security, which can also positively influence insurance premiums and reassure staff.
The true power of a fog security system lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly with other technologies. When paired with modern CCTV systems and professional intruder alarm monitoring, a fog deployment can be verified instantly by a central monitoring station. This allows for immediate police dispatch based on confirmed activation, which dramatically reduces response times and increases the likelihood of apprehension. Furthermore, combining fog security with video analytics software can help distinguish between genuine threats and false alarms, ensuring the system is only activated when absolutely necessary. This capability is vital for large multi-site property management operations where minimising disruption is key.
Beyond immediate security, fog cannons play a crucial role in how to develop a comprehensive business continuity plan. By preventing the theft of critical assets or data, they ensure that the business can resume normal operations quickly, avoiding the long-term financial and operational fallout that often follows a major break-in.
We specialise in providing expert security services to all manner of businesses across the UK. From CCTV systems to intruder alarms and access control, we are here to help safeguard your property and people.
To learn more about our NSI approved security solutions, including fog security systems, contact our friendly team today.
