How To Make Your Gas Station Into A Crime Free Zone

How To Make Your Gas Station Into A Crime Free Zone

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If you drove by an advertisement for a gas station for sale that indicated that it was in a high-traffic spot right next to a primary interstate, with quick and easy "on and off exits", making large profits on a daily basis throughout its "always open" schedule, you would most likely think to yourself that this is an excellent business to purchase right away. Unfortunately, it's also an ideal prospect for an aspiring criminal. Just imagine - they could easily drive off the main interstate sometime late at night, steal whatever they want from the gas station and then drop out of sight within minutes. Of course, it's also possible that a disgruntled employee might steal all sorts of things from you when you're not around too.

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 might make the location "easier on the eyes", they're just not really all that sensible as they usually become sight-blocking attributes. 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 be noticed right away. 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.

There isn't any business which can be made entirely free of criminal activity, and this goes for gas stations and convenience stores as well. Remember, you can definitely decrease the potential threat by implementing certain precautions and installing the uncomplicated preventions which are listed here.

About the Author:
Richard Parker is the author of the How to Buy a Good Business at a Great Price series. As President and founder of Diomo Corporation - The Business Buyer Resource Center, his materials, seminars and consulting have helped thousands of business buyers realize their dream of buying a business. Want to find out more about business buying strategies that really work, then look no further than=> http://www.howtobuyagasstation.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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