According to FBI statistics, over 8,000 gas stations robberies occured in the U.S. in 2016. Gas stations are susceptible to crime because of the ease of access to cash, cigarettes and beer and the ability to leave quickly in a waiting vehicle. Take these steps to reduce the chance of gas station crime.

Configure Cash Register/Store Layout. Gas station/convenience store owners want to pack as many goods into their stores as possible—everything from Slurpee’s, hot dogs, beer, drinks, candy and chips. This often means high shelves that make it difficult for employees to monitor customers. Lower store shelving and add security mirrors so customers can be viewed from the cash register and people can see in the store from the outside. These measures can reduce shoplifting.

Use A Top Gas Station Security Guard Company During Late Hour Operations. Most gas station crime occurs during the overnight hours. If a gas station is open 24 hours, consider enlisting the services of a security guard company experienced in gas station protection to patrol the station in the evening hours.

Add Lighting To The Exterior. Proper lighting at the gas pumps, store entrance and around the perimeter of the property not only help with station security but with customer security.

Keep Cash To A Minimum. Don’t accumulate large amounts of cash in the register. Transfer excess money to a safe or regularly remove cash from the premises and deposit at a bank. Particularly in high crime areas, it makes sense to use a security guard escort when making bank runs.      

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