Would-be dairy thieves arrested

Crime

Two 15-year-old boys who were deterred from a dairy robbery by a fog cannon have been charged with aggravated robbery.

The pair allegedly tried to rob the Candy Corner Dairy in Palmerston North on March 2, but cut short their attempt after a fog cannon was triggered. Palmerston North police arrested the two young offenders on Friday.

Detective Sergeant Dave Wishnowsky said the robbery was prevented by a fog cannon bought by the dairy owner and positioned behind the counter. ‘‘The fog cannon worked perfectly to prevent the robbery and to scare away the offenders,’’ Wishnowsky said.

‘‘We remind business owners that fog cannons are an effective deterrent for thieves.

‘‘Other steps to deter thieves include making sure windows are clear, installing CCTV cameras and ensuring the staff have visibility of the store, i.e. no high shelves.’’

Both boys have appeared in the Palmerston North Youth Court charged with aggravated robbery and will appear again later this month.

They ran in to the store on the corner of Grey and Ruahine streets shortly after 6pm on March 2, but abandoned their mission after owner Raj Patel activated the deterrent, which fills the room with dense fog in a few seconds.

Patel was watching the surveillance monitors from a back room when he noticed the duo enter his store. He immediately sprung to action, locking the door and arming the fog cannon within six seconds.

By that time, one of the offenders, disguised in a hoody and sunglasses, was behind the counter and trying to break open the till. But both quickly scampered as thick fog clouded the room.