Frequently asked questions

There are a number of questions that we are often asked when we present the BANDIT system. The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions are mentioned below. If you have any further questions about the BANDIT system and smoke protection in general, we would be happy to hear from you

How is the fog produced?
To produce a thick cloud of dense smoke, BANDIT uses harmless glycol, which in its essence is heat absorbed by fluid. Glycol steams at a lower temperature than water. When a BANDIT generator is activated, glycol is heated enough to create steam, then combined with water, which has a cooling effect on the glycol steam but does not affect its density.

The principle is also used in theaters and discos to produce “smoke”.

Is the fog dangerous for people and animals?
No, the dense fog is completely harmless. The smoke is created using the same principles as are used for smoke machines in theater and discos.

Can the fog damage buildings, furnishings and other objects?
No, the fog is completely harmless – also to computer equipment, optics, precious metals, clothing and furs.

Does the fog smell?
BANDIT fog does have a faint mint smell – it reduces visibility and does not leave any type of after taste or smell. This means that the rooms can be used again as soon as they have been aired.

How do I get rid of the fog?
Even though the fog is so dense that a burglar will not be able to see his hand in front of his face, it only takes about 20 min. of airing to clear the room. Afterwards, you will not be able to tell that the smoke protection system has been activated. It is important that airing is begun within one hour of activating the fog generator.

How do you know BANDIT could have prevented any specific robbery? Couldn’t the burglars have just waited for the fog to clear?
BANDIT is designed to reactivate several times in the event of multiple break-ins, continuing to replenish protection in covered areas. Considering it takes half an hour to regain any visibility in a non-ventilated area, burglars are unlikely to stick around until first responders arrive.

Can you install fog protection as the only protection system?
 Fog protection is a supplement to the conventional alarm system, which also activates the fog generator. Apart from this, the most important thing is to safeguard your business or your home to make it hard for the thief to break in.

Why should companies that already own or install alarm systems be interested in BANDIT?
BANDIT provides the final link to securing valuable property. When the system is activated, BANDIT cloaks any area to a degree burglars cannot see what they intend to steal, accounting for those critical moments between alarm activation and alarm response.

BANDIT has designed a product that will supplement existing alarm systems, and the surrounding structures established by knowledgeable dealers.

Is the system expensive to run?
No, the BANDIT system uses less electricity than a normal light bulb and can be activated again and again. The system indicates when fluid levels are low.  High operational reliability, minimal maintenance and a long service life also help to keep running costs down.

How does BANDIT determine the size/cost of each new installation?
Dealers measure the intended protected areas, calculate the impact of unusual factors, then come up with a recommendation for prospective users.

Are false alarms a problem?
Smoke protection is activated by the conventional burglar alarm, but has otherwise been designed to prevent accidental activation of the smoke protection.

BANDIT operates on an activation system using up to three trigger points. For example, if an employee trips the alarm on the main entrance of your establishment, he will not activate BANDIT unless he trips one or two additional triggers. As BANDIT “closes the loop” for large security systems, the first trip will notify the proper officials, and established methods of verifying the alarm will go into motion before an employee has a chance to activate additional triggers.

Also, BANDIT will activate because of built-in battery backup, even if power to the main building, and main alarm system, are cut off, adding an extra barrier of security.

What can fog protection do that a conventional alarm system cannot?
A conventional alarm system may notify neighbors, passersby and the control center that an intruder has broken into a house or a company. It is then up to the police and the security staff to safeguard the valuables. Experience shows that it may take up to 10-15 minutes for them to reach the scene. That gives the thief plenty of time to locate the valuables and get away.
Smoke protection fills the room with dense smoke within seconds, which prevents the thief from finding the valuables and entering the protected area.

How has the BANDIT systems helped crime prone premises and what is the payback period involved?

BANDIT protection stops crime when it happens and it is very cost effective, here are some examples.

1st Example – A Convenience Shop lost $7,000 in ‘smash and grab lasting just 1 minute and 6 seconds.

After BANDIT system was installed the next time intruders broke-in window damage was $500 but BANDIT activation prevented loss of goods. Bandit payback period for this retailer was 33 seconds!!

2nd Example – A Jewelry Store

After a break in and a $80,000 loss an LA Jewelry store installed a BANDIT system to minimize future losses from any subsequent attacks.

3rd Example - A Golf Pro Shop

Before a BANDIT system was installed at this location had suffered 15 break-ins over a 48 month period.

Since BANDIT there has been one attempted break-in by a truck driven into the front doors, the thieves fled when BANDIT discharged and they were prevented from seeing the merchandise by the thick rapid fog. Full entry was not possible by the would be thieves and zero stock was lost.

4th Example - A Fast Food Outlet

A Burger Bar in a tough downtown LA district was repeatedly broken into and low value amounts of food and utensils were stolen.

A BANDIT system deployment effectively put an end to this activity and although the cost of this wanton damage and thieving was comparatively low it caused considerable disruption to the continuity of the Burger Bar’s trade that already had low margins which it could not afford to have reduced any further.

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