Ram-raiders target Hamilton East’s Total Vision optometrists in 2022

Following the recent spate of ram-raids, optometry practices could be eligible for a NZ$4,000 government subsidy towards fog-machine installation. 

Designed to disorientate criminals and prevent them from locating valuable goods, fog machines are triggered by a break-in and fill a store with dense but harmless fog in seconds. According to Whangārei-based supplier Arc security, installing one may also reduce a store’s insurance premium.  

However, successful applicants should expect to top-up their subsidy. “It is fair to say that we would not be able to install a unit for $4,000. But it is referred to as a subsidy – not necessarily a coverall,” said the director of an Auckland-based security firm. 

Store owners who meet the all the following criteria are invited to apply for the subsidy from February 2023: 

• You have no more than two outlets 
• You have five or fewer paid employees 
• You have a street frontage (outlets in indoor malls where security is already provided will not be eligible) 

Owners of two outlets may apply for the full $4,000 subsidy for each store, which must be used with a Fog Cannon Subsidy Scheme-registered supplier.