Small business owners in New Zealand are criticizing the central government’s recent implementation of security fog cannons as they claim it does not address the root issue behind the ongoing retail crime wave. While the fog cannons are effective at hindering stealing by releasing a cloud of fog, many owners argue that they are not sophisticated enough to work against burglary in the middle of the night. The government has extended its subsidy for fog cannons, along with bollard and security alarm installations, to help small businesses against ram raids and theft. However, the opposition National Party has criticized the government for its “soft-on-crime” approach, and has called for a military academy to provide rehabilitation for juvenile offenders. The retailers are suffering due to an increase in retail crime that will cost the country around $1 billion this year.