The Top 4 Essential Security Measures for Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

As businesses that often keep large amounts of cash onsite, as well as operating hours that may stretch late into the night, gas stations and convenience stores are prime targets for criminal activity. According to a 2020 report from the FBI, convenience stores and gas stations were, respectively, the fourth and seventh most common locations for violent crime nationwide, with incidents ranging from robbery and vehicle theft to aggravated assault and homicide.

While convenience stores and gas stations may inevitably be attractive targets for criminals, there are several steps they can take to improve safety for employees and customers. Here are four of the top essential security measures that these type of businesses should implement:

1. Locks and other access control mechanisms to secure the building. During business hours, all entrances to the store should remain locked at all times, except the main entrance. Additionally, the supply room should be equipped with a lock that can be opened from the inside, as well as a phone and a panic button in case the employees become locked in the room during a robbery.
2. Security cameras. Properly placed security cameras can not only help deter crime, but can also be critical in identifying offenders after a crime has taken place. Ensure that cameras are clearly visible and have an unobstructed view of key areas, such as the gas pumps, entrance to the store, and the cash register. In addition, they should have excellent picture quality and features like license plate recognition. Many stores also place height markings along the doorframe at the store’s entrance in order to help determine the height of offenders caught on camera.
3. Panic buttons. In addition to having a panic button in the supply room, consider installing one behind the front counter so employees can immediately press it and alert the authorities that a criminal incident is occurring.
4. Security officers. For gas stations and convenience stores that are open late at night or are located in high-crime areas, it may be necessary to have trained, uniformed security guards onsite.

These are just a few of the most important steps that gas stations and convenience stores should take in order to keep their customers and employees safe. By failing to implement these and other crucial security measures, businesses may leave themselves vulnerable to crime and potentially liable for negligent security lawsuits, which involve a victim who has been injured by a violent crime at a commercial property that did not take reasonable precautions to prevent foreseeable incidents.

At Leighton Panoff Law, negligent security is one of our areas of expertise. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a violent crime that occurred at a gas station, convenience store, or other business location in Florida, call us today at 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation.