How to Reduce Crime at any Gas Station or Convenience Store
If you passed by a prominent advertisement for a gas station for sale that offered a high-traffic spot next to a major highway with quick and easy “on and off access”, pulling in sizeable profits throughout its 24 hour-a-day schedule, you would likely consider this to be a fantastic business to buy. Unfortunately, it’s also an excellent prospect for a aspiring thief. Just imagine – he or she could pull off the interstate in the middle of the night, rob the gas station and disappear. You may also think that a problematic employee could be stealing from you throughout the night when you’re sleeping at home.
Crime is truly unfortunate, but it’s a fact of life. Remember, if you’re thinking of buying a gas station or convenience store, you may be faced with any of the following:
• Violence or armed robbery.
• Stealing or pilfering by employees.
• Under-age sales of tobacco or alcohol – especially should you hire a kid to work the night shift who may be inclined to “supply” his or her friends.
• Shoplifting.
One or all of these problems could potentially effect you, so you need to initiate certain strategies to mitigate their effects:
1. While hedges and fences may make for an aesthetically pleasing location, they are not very sensible as they can become sight-blocking features. A criminal could hide a getaway vehicle or himself from view.
2. Criminals are less likely to victimize establishments if they have to park their getaway car in, or walk through a brightly lit environment. Make sure that you install the best quality and brightest lighting features you can find.
3. Install first-class surveillance systems both inside and outside the store and post large signs stating that you have cameras which are monitored 24 hours a day. An excellent surveillance system can prevent all sorts of crimes, both by your staff (shoplifting) and by potential customers.
4. These days inventory can be controlled and monitored and you should install the latest equipment. You can even monitor it remotely. Inventory losses will become apparent immediately. Don’t worry if your employees are taken aback by this introduction, simply tell them that it is for “their own good”. Besides, you have to watch them as well.
5. Upgrade all the exit doors from your building and fit the best locks you can find. Try and discourage your inventory from “walking out the door.” You should be able to deter a late night employee from helping his or herself to a case of beer or cigarettes.
6. Make sure that you eliminate the number of “drive-off’s.” Outdoor video cameras can certainly help to alleviate the problem of people filling up tanks and driving away without paying. Better yet is to have a “pay at the pump” system or pay before filling policy. At night, you should make sure that customers must prepay before they can gas their tanks.
7. Consult with the local police to get an informed picture of any problems in your area. Whilst the seller may not be particularly forthcoming with details, you should nevertheless ask. Do conduct your own comprehensive research however.
8. Protect yourself against major financial losses that could be incurred should an employee be injured during a criminal act. You should try and cover all eventualities.
There isn’t any business which can be made totally free of crime, and this definitely goes for a gas station and convenience store. You can significantly limit the overall threat level by taking a few simple precautions and installing the sensible preventions which are clearly outlined above.
Richard Parker is the President and founder of the Diomo Corporation – The Business Buyer Resource Center. His inspiring materials, seminars and consulting have assisted thousands of business buyers with achieving their life long dream of buying a business.
