One such system fills a space with a dense, dry fog to reduce visibility and disorient criminals. In particular, the system was so effective at curbing cigarette theft from UK convenience stores, the company said, that thieves began targeting stores without the tech. Large retailers including Target and Dick's Sporting Goods have blamed a rise in retail theft for taking a larger bite out of profits, as well as jeopardizing the safety of workers and customers. Industry groups estimate inventory shrink costs companies more than $100 billion, with external theft contributing about 37% of that figure. A small business owner in Chicago told the local CBS affiliate she installed the Density system after her store was hit with a pair of robberies within one year.

---

Persons: Mike Egel, DensityUSA, Egel Organizations: Service, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Industry, Washington Examiner, CBS Locations: Wall, Silicon, Chicago