Article Directory :: Business - General Articles

Your Gas Station Should be a Crime Free Zone

By Richard K Parker

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 02Sep2009 Word count: 576 Viewed: 160 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

If you came across an advertisement for a gas station that promoted a high-traffic location next to a major interstate, with easy "on and off", making strong profits throughout its 24 hour daily schedule, you would probably think that this is a great business to purchase. Unfortunately, it is also a good prospect for a crook. Just imagine - he or she could pull off the interstate in the middle of the night, rob the gas station and disappear. You might also consider that a troubled employee could steal inventory from you during the wee hours of the night when you were asleep at home.

Crime is an unfortunate fact of life and everyone needs to be concerned about it. As an owner of 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 affect you, so you need to initiate certain strategies such as these 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. A good surveillance system can prevent crimes, both by your employees (shoplifting) and by outsiders.

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 offs." 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.

No business can be made completely free of crime, and this goes for a gas station and convenience store too. You can however, certainly reduce the threat by taking precautions and installing the simple preventions outlined here.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Richard K Parker

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details