Dairies welcome cheaper security

Dairy owners at risk of violence are welcoming the Government’s decision to increase its subsidy for fog-cannon security systems.

On Thursday Police Minister Stuart Nash said at-risk dairy and superette owners would pay no more than $250 towards the cost of a fog cannon, which could cost at least $4000. Previously the subsidy covered only half the cost.

Jayesh Patel, who owns Palmerston North’s Rangiora Mini Market, was told by police that his shop was at risk last year after it was robbed twice in six months.

‘‘I hope I’m eligible; I’ll have to follow up on that. I know it won’t make all the difference, but it is still better than nothing.’’

Mangere’s Kingsford Supermarket owner Kamaljit Singh said he was hopeful a fog cannon would act as a deterrent but the eligibility of the funding was a concern.

Police determine eligibility on factors like a history of aggravated robberies, burglaries and thefts, as well as for complaints about graffiti or suspicious activity.

Singh spent a small fortune on adding new security systems after a staff member was beaten in a aggravated robbery in May, but said smaller businesses would find it difficult to protect their shops if they were deemed ineligible.

‘‘How can you say who is more vulnerable? Anyone can get done over now if you’re selling liquor or cigarettes. I’ve considered stopping selling them, but that’s also what brings the customers in,’’ Singh said.

A total of 1237 aggravated robberies were recorded at dairies and petrol stations from June 2016 to May 2017, up 87 per cent on the previous 12 months.

High-value items such as cigarettes, alcohol, and cash from the till were often the target.

In some cases, dairy owners became victims of violence.

Last year, the former National government announced dairies and superettes could be kitted out with ultra-sonic sirens, fog cannons and DNA spray as part of a crackdown on violent robberies.

The hi-tech equipment was funded from a $1.8 million police fund for protecting vulnerable retail outlets.

But new Police Minister Stuart Nash said the previous funding did not go far enough. ‘‘Financial barriers deterred many business owners from taking up the assistance, and by November 2017 the equipment had been installed in just three locations – two in Auckland and one in Wellington.’’