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[show]A quarter of gasoline retailers have reported a rise in theft at their filling stations since 2021, resulting in a nationwide loss of $200 million for gas stations. This is a growing concern affecting both urban and rural areas.
Some recent eye catching headlines of these thefts at gas stations include:
400 gallons of gas were stolen from a BP station in North Point, NC using a remote device. (source: CNN)
A theft at a Wisconsin dealership caused about $1,500 in damage to the Jeep for some three gallons of gas (source: CNN)
$27,000 worth of gas stolen at a gas station in Duncanville, TX (source: CNN)
To combat these occurrences, gas station owners need more effective security measures.
By understanding the extent of the problem, including the methods used by thieves, weaknesses in pump design, and ways to secure the station, owners can adopt a proactive approach to preventing theft rather than simply reacting to it.
Gas theft, also known as "drive-off theft”, occurs when a customer fills their vehicle with gasoline and fails to pay for it. In the United States, gas theft is a crime punishable by law.
Retail gas stations have implemented various security measures to prevent gas theft, such as requiring payment before pumping, installing surveillance cameras, and using license plate recognition technology.
Additionally, many gas stations have protocols for employees to follow in the event of a drive-off theft, such as obtaining the license plate number and reporting the incident to the police.
Gas stations are particularly susceptible to theft at pumps located in poorly lit areas. A secure perimeter should protect all parts of the property, day and night.
Under poorly lit areas at gas stations, the following types of theft can occur:
Drive-off theft: When customers fill up their vehicle with gasoline and leave the station without paying for it.
Pump tampering: When thieves alter the dispensing mechanism of the gas pump to cause it to release more gasoline than it should.
Credit card skimming: When thieves install a device at the gas pump that reads the customer's credit card information when they insert it into the machine. The thief then uses this information to make unauthorized purchases.
Theft of gas station equipment or supplies: When thieves steal items such as hoses, nozzles, or gasoline storage containers from the station.
Robbery: When thieves use force or the threat of force to steal money or other valuables from the gas station or its employees.
It is important to note that gas station theft can occur at any time of day, but poorly lit areas can allow thieves to carry out their crimes undetected.
This is why gas stations need security measures, such as mobile surveillance cameras and a secure perimeter, to prevent theft and protect their property.
Our suggested method for reducing crime is by installing a Solar Surveillance Trailer, a powerful theft deterrent powered by solar energy with backup batteries. LotGuards are equipped with the latest LTE transmissible cameras, live or pre-recorded audio, and blue lights, bringing advanced security to gas stations.
LotGuard delivers a high upgrade from fixed, old analog, and cheaper variants of this surveillance system, leaving no gaps for protection.
What other security solution can compare to this comprehensive system with its full range of bright lights, audio alerts, and recording technology, working both day and night? The gas station is always protected with a 360-degree view, even during power outages or with limited staff on-site, providing 24/7 security.
Here are a few additional tips on the optimal location of a LotGuard at a gas station to keep gas pumps protected:
Near fuel storage tank access doors
In view of card swipe access points on pump
Above pumps away from the store
In dimly lit areas
Quick and efficient protection for your gas station can be achieved with a LotGuard Mobile Surveillance Unit, which can be installed in just a matter of minutes.
All gas theft security concerns can be eradciated by the LotGuard experts and all the worries of protection, loss, and damage after a theft are eased.
The units feature built-in video analytics capable of detecting loitering and other criminal behavior. When coupled with our live video transmission, it enables remote crime prevention.
Every LotGuard has an HD infrared camera capable of recording crystal clear evidential images even in the lowest lighting conditions, allowing our remote operators to dispatch law enforcement and capture usable video for review.
The PTZ cameras allow full site coverage, and we can provide LotGuards to your premises regardless of power availability.
Daniel del Soldato
Head of Communications
Daniel has been at Wireless CCTV over 10 years and has accumulated a vast wealth of knowledge when it comes to CCTV products and the way they operate. In his spare time Daniel likes to listen to music, watch football and spend quality time with his family.
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