WATCH OUT ROBBERS
Dairy owners fight back
Manawatu¯ businesses could soon be kitted out with ultra-sonic sirens, fog cannons and DNA spray as part of a police crackdown on violent robberies.
These businesses, which police would not identify, are receiving extra help from police following a spate of dairy robberies that have terrified retail workers and owners in recent months.
The high-tech equipment is part of a $1.8 million dollar nationwide funding project geared at protecting vulnerable retail outlets.
A number of businesses have been deemed eligible for the cofunded project, and police have been visiting these sites to assess whether they required any of the high-tech solutions.
There are already two ‘‘concept’’ stores in south Auckland that have installed ultra-sonic sirens, fog cannons and DNA spray.
Rangiora Ave Mini Market owner Jayesh Patel said he was meeting with police next week to discuss store security.
His Palmerston North dairy was robbed in December 2016 and May 2017, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
It had previously been targeted in 2011, a robbery that saw Patel slashed in the face with a knife.
An officer said at the time the wound could have been fatal if it were to his neck.
He said the new security measures were a good idea, but he was unsure if it would stop robberies occurring.
‘‘It’s hard, sometimes, to believe it’s going to work.’’
However, Patel said he was looking forward to getting more information on the options.
National police prevention centre manager Superintendent Eric Tibbott said the measures would help to deter crime for those businesses that met certain criterias.
‘‘We know that these business owners are feeling vulnerable and this is not acceptable.
‘‘We have seen some shocking footage of violence that people are experiencing and we are determined to help make people feel safe.’’
Tibbott said the fog cannons filled a store with a thick cloud.
‘‘If you can’t see a product or person, you can’t steal that product or attack that person,’’ Tibbott said.
He said the sirens emitted ‘‘extremely loud and extremely debilitating’’ noise at 124 decibels.
The criteria for who was eligible for the co-funded security measures were based on factors such as whether they had previously been targeted and their geographical location to recognised crime hot spots.
Out of the identified high-risk businesses, 54 opted into the cofunding model.
Police would also recommend personalised crime deterrent solutions, which might be cofunded by the business and police, Tibbott said.