Hoffman Estates Allows Antiburglary Security Fog

The village's approval of fog systems comes as smash-and-grab burglaries targeting video gambling machines prompt businesses to seek new protections.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Property Crime

Hoffman Estates Allows Antiburglary Security Fog

Live Poll

Should local businesses be allowed to install security fog systems?

Hoffman Estates has allowed security fog systems that fill a closed business with thick, non-toxic theatrical fog once an intruder enters, reducing visibility for up to an hour. Village officials approved the devices after Police Chief Kasia Cawley endorsed the technology to trustees.

Why it matters

Demand for the systems is rising as burglaries targeting video gambling machines in restaurants and bars continue, and police say criminals are likely to move to places without fog systems. The village's decision places it among a small group of suburbs permitting the devices.

Each gambling machine is valued at $25,000 to $80,000, and a fog system adds roughly a couple thousand dollars per establishment. Burglaries average about 4 minutes, while law enforcement response averages about 6 minutes, and the fog reduces visibility for up to an hour.

The players

Kasia Cawley

Hoffman Estates Police Chief who endorsed the security fog technology to village trustees and said criminals will likely move to places without fog systems.

Patrick Kinnane

Hoffman Estates village trustee who supported making fog system permits available to any category of business.

Density USA

Missouri-based supplier of security fog systems whose devices are being adopted by suburban businesses.

The details

The pump-driven systems replace pressurized canisters that carried the risk of explosion, and signs warn of their presence. Police responding to a fogged business must establish a perimeter until the fog clears, and a task force of more than 50 detectives from departments and sheriff's offices in six counties was formed in early autumn to address the burglary wave.

Early autumn 2026: A task force of more than 50 detectives from police departments and sheriff's offices in six counties was formed.
Week of November 2, 2026: Hoffman Estates allowed antiburglary security fog systems, and Fire Chief Alan Wax changed the village's fire code.

Legal Context

Hoffman Estates joins Wheeling and a group of nearby communities including Alsip, Berwyn, Darien and Tinley Park in permitting security fog systems, a technology that has been used in Europe for about three decades. The approval reflects how suburban municipalities are weighing new non-lethal tools against a rise in targeted burglaries of gambling machines.

Businesses in Hoffman Estates that operate closed premises with gambling machines may now install fog systems, which trigger when an intruder enters. Residents and visitors should expect posted warnings at fogged businesses and possible police perimeters that remain until the fog clears.

The takeaway

Business owners weighing security upgrades should compare fog systems with other protections, since police say criminals may shift toward locations without them. Local businesses in similar situations can check village permitting requirements before installation.