08/06/2009 - Fog devices 'putting lives at risk'
Police claim hi-tech gadgets that emit clouds of blinding fog to see off armed robbers could put lives at risk.
Banks, jewellers and other high-street businesses have installed the fogging devices, but Scotland Yard's elite Flying Squad are concerned that armed robbers could panic once the devices are deployed and take people hostage.
The fog from the unusual crime-fighting tool takes up to an hour to clear forcing officers to wait outside until they can search the property or identify any suspects.
As a result police are in talks with the device manufacturers to agree a strategy for how they should be installed and used.
A Scotland Yard source said: "It Is fairly common sense, if you have a building full of armed robbers, potential hostages and smoke it limits what we can do."
Fogging devices were first used in the mid 1970s to protect gold bullion held in top security reserves, but in recent years they have been used to deter burglars in offices and high-risk businesses.
A water-based fog, which is non-toxic, is dispersed from hidden machines in the ceiling when a criminal triggers an alarm.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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