For many motorists, stopping at a petrol station is part of the daily commute. But a quick stop to refuel, use an ATM or visit the convenience store can create opportunities for criminals if motorists become distracted or let their guard down.

With busy roads, heavy traffic and people frequently travelling during the early morning and evening hours, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is an important part of personal security.

“Petrol stations are familiar environments, and that familiarity can sometimes cause people to switch off from their surroundings. Criminals look for opportunities, and a distracted motorist can be an easy target,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.

Safety tips for motorists

• Stay alert while filling up. Avoid distractions such as using your phone while waiting. Keep an eye on your surroundings and be aware of anyone approaching your vehicle
• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t leave handbags, laptops, shopping bags or mobile phones visible inside your vehicle. Where possible, place valuables in the boot before arriving at the petrol station
• Be cautious when getting in and out of your vehicle. Check your surroundings before opening your doors. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable, remain in your vehicle and alert petrol station staff or security
• Choose where you stop. When travelling at night, use well-lit, busy petrol stations where possible. If a station appears unusually quiet or you feel uncomfortable, consider travelling to another station
• Watch for suspicious activity. Before driving away, check your mirrors and surroundings. If you believe you are being followed after leaving the station, do not drive home. Instead, go to a busy, secure location and contact your security provider or SAPS
• Stay alert when using ATMs. Be aware of people around you and avoid unnecessarily displaying cash. If someone makes you uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and move away
• Never leave children unattended. Do not leave children alone in a vehicle while you enter the shop or attend to other tasks.
  .

Safety tips for petrol station staff

Petrol station employees also play an important role in maintaining a safe environment. Staff should remain alert to unusual behaviour and follow established security procedures, particularly during busy periods and after dark.

• Stay aware of your surroundings. Remain observant of activity in and around the store, particularly where unfamiliar people are loitering or behaviour appears unusual
• Do not confront suspicious individuals. Staff should never put themselves at risk by confronting a suspected criminal. Alert a manager, security personnel or SAPS instead
• Be cautious when handling cash. Avoid openly displaying cash and counting large amounts of money in public view
• Report suspicious activity. Repeated loitering, vehicles that appear to be monitoring the premises, unusual customer behaviour or other concerns should be reported promptly.
  .

“Petrol station employees are often among the first people to notice when something is out of place. Creating a culture where staff feel comfortable reporting suspicious behaviour, rather than attempting to deal with it themselves, is an important part of keeping both employees and customers safe,” says Hattingh.

“Security starts before an incident happens. Being aware of your surroundings, reducing distractions and recognising when something feels unusual can help motorists and staff make safer decisions,” Hattingh concludes.

Motorists and petrol station employees are encouraged to report suspicious activity to their security provider and contact SAPS where necessary.

Issued by Fidelity Services Group – charnelh@fidelity-services.com