Tesco installs smoke machines in stores to combat break-ins

Tesco has rolled out smoke machines in some of its stores to thwart thieves following a spate of after-hours break-ins. The UK's largest supermarket chain has deployed the 4ft-high security devices in select stores deemed at high risk of burglary when they're closed.

According to The Sun, these machines are positioned on the shop floor in certain London stores after closing time. They are designed to release a dense fog if motion sensors detect any movement, obscuring visibility and deterring theft.

Additionally, each machine is equipped with a CCTV camera. However, this isn't a new strategy or a company-wide policy.

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A warning sign on the device cautions: "Warning: you're being watched. Smoke screen security fog in operation."

An image circulating online shows one such machine inside a central London store during business hours, although it was not operational and has since been taken away. Tesco has no intentions to introduce these smoke machines across all its branches and has chosen not to comment on their usage.

Shoplifting and assaults on retail staff have escalated in the UK, with recent statistics from February indicating there are 1,300 cases of violence and abuse against shop workers daily. A report by the British Retail Consortium in April highlighted a 65% increase in violent and abusive incidents in shopping centres between 2021-22 and 2022-23. Body armour providers have also noted a significant rise in demand for stab vests by security personnel in shopping centres over the last couple of years.

The government has unveiled plans to crack down on persistent or violent shoplifters in England and Wales by creating a specific criminal offence for assaulting retail workers. This move was initially set to be included as an amendment to the criminal justice bill being considered by parliament this summer, but it was among various proposals that were shelved during May's "wash-up" period the rush to pass outstanding legislation before an election is called.