An increasing number of people are being grievously and fatally injured from carjackings, attempted robberies, and altercations at gas stations and convenience stores.
In 2022, 5% of all violent crimes, or 45,218 crimes, were committed at gas stations and convenience stores according to the FBI’s crime statistics. This was an increase of 7,657 violent crimes from the previous 37,561 violent criminal offenses that occurred at gas stations and convenience stores in 2021.
At our office, we’re seeing this first hand. Here are the ways that you can stay safe while visiting these establishments.
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- We’ve seen instances of assailants hiding in bushes and attempting carjackings from street corners. Be aware of your surroundings, i.e. any erratic activity, the entrances to the convenience store, the number of people around you, and where they are located.
- Be careful at night
- While you should always try to use well-lit gas stalls, this is especially true at night. Most people let their guard down during this time because they are tired after a long day however this is the time to be hypervigilant.
- Go to gas stations you know
- Going to gas stations you know means that you’ll be familiar with the layout of the establishment and the area. This will also help you avoid gas stations with horrendous reviews or high rates of crime.
- Check for video surveillance
- If there are cameras and you’re feeling wary, choose a pump near them. If there are no cameras, you can also choose a pump near the gas station/convenience store door in case you need to quickly exit a situation.
- Hide your belongings
- This is property safety etiquette. Once you have paid, at the pump outside or inside, put your wallet in a spot that is hidden from plain view; be that tucked in a compartment in your car or your pocket instead of in your hands or an easily accessible spot. Make sure that your other belongings are inside your car and tucked away.
- Lock your car
- If you’re walking away from your car at any point, to go inside or even throw something away, be sure to lock your car! If you’re in the car, lock it! Many carjackings happen when someone has left their car unattended and unlocked. It’s easy to forget but vitally important.
- Don’t idle
- Regardless of visiting with your friends or by yourself, try not to sit in your car for long stretches outside gas stations/convenience stores. The longer you stay, the more likely you are to be pulled into something dangerous.
- Check for security
- Make note of any security guards inside or around the premises. They can help de-escalate a situation and keep you safe.
- Report suspicious activity but keep to yourself
- Don’t make a scene if you see something that could be potentially dangerous. Instead, tell an employee at the establishment, to have your phone in reach so you can call 911, notify a security guard, and try not to make yourself a target by drawing unwanted attention. In other words, go in to get your things or gas, and get out.
For more information, check out the National Crime Prevention’s site or this video on “how to stay safe at a gas station.”
Want to reach us about your case? Click the blue consultation button at the top of this page or right below this article. You can also call us at (314)-645-9500 or email us at lawoffices1011@gmail.com.
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