Tesco takes drastic steps to protect stores at risk from break-ins by installing machines that stop robbers ‘quickly’
TESCO is using smoke-belching “sentries” to combat store break-ins.
The supermarket giant has installed the 4ft devices at branches deemed at risk of being raided.
It is understood the tech is wheeled out on to the shop floor only while stores are closed.
If motion sensors are activated, the machines fill the store with dense fog, making it hard to grab anything.
They are also fitted with a CCTV camera.
A message on the front of the robosmog machines reads: “Warning: You’re being watched. Smoke screen security fog in operation.”
The smoke deterrent has only been rolled out in at-risk branches in the capital and are not expected to be expanded to every Tesco store.
Snaps taken last week show one of the yellow and blue smokers left out in a store in central London.
A retail source said: “It’s a device that will stop robbers quite quickly. The smoke isn’t harmful, but it will stop you seeing what’s in front of you, which makes taking anything very difficult.
“Once the machine goes off they’re also on camera. The box shouldn’t be left out for customers to see, but overnight it would be put out in the store.”
Around 400 branches, including petrol stations, have also been fitted with a different type of smokescreen device which is attached to the ceiling.
Tesco declined to comment.