The Importance of Security Cameras for Your Petrol Station

Petrol stations are a vulnerable location that attracts behaviours such as theft and even armed robbery. Risk intensifies during the hours of darkness, leading not only to the loss of valuable assets but the worry of employee safety too.

Security cameras are a vital installation for petrol stations, and today’s technology means that they can effectively increase the safety of those who work there as well as reducing the likelihood of losing revenue from both petrol and retail theft.

Security cameras as a deterrent

The provision of cameras acts as much as a deterrent for those who might be thinking of filling up and driving off without paying as they do for those who might want to steal something from the on-site shop or kiosk. High-resolution images mean that wrongdoers can be easily identified, and for many would-be criminals the knowledge that they’ll be caught on camera is likely to send them looking for targets that provide easier pickings.

Security cameras prevent drive-offs

Drive offs – or failure to pay for fuel – have been an ongoing issue for petrol station owners. The advances in security camera technology now provide additional armoury against this common crime. Not only do high-tech cameras provide clear images of offenders, their cars and number plates, but with the introduction of ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) being tested and slowly rolled out this becomes an even more efficient tool. This allows for employees to simply contact the police with the evidence when a drive off occurs – a huge advantage over previous undesirable encounters of an owner or employee trying to confront a petrol thief.

There’s an ever-growing police database of vehicles that have been involved in drive-offs, and systems have been developed that can be used in petrol stations using ANPR to detect them. Such a vehicle would trigger a red flag, and, depending on the sophistication of the system, it could either be down to the attendant to not authorise the pump or this could be automatically applied. This technology isn’t yet in regular use but with trials underway in various parts of the country* it won’t be long before it becomes more commonplace nationwide.

Security cameras for employee safety

It’s a sad fact that petrol stations are prime targets for armed robberies. This, of course, puts employees in danger. And although there’s usually alarm buttons it’s not always the case that the employee is able to safely reach one to raise an alert. Security cameras mean that a robbery can be spotted from the moment it occurs and a police response initiated.

Such cameras are even more vital in 24/7 petrol stations that often only have one or two workers on shift.

State of the art security cameras means that petrol station owners no longer need to be in a single location to monitor their premises. Live feeds can be accessed from anywhere there’s an internet connection and can be viewed on computers, tablets, phones or any smart device. As well as all of the safety advantages, it also allows owners to monitor staff, check for good customer interactions and is a deterrent for any instances of employee theft as well.

Security cameras in petrol stations can provide live monitoring of the forecourt, individual pumps and the interior of a kiosk or shop. Crown Security in Perth is expert in the provision of the ultimate security camera systems that are tailor-made to best cover the peculiarities of any petrol station layout. Systems range from simple digital camera options to the latest in cutting edge technology.

To discuss how Crown Security could provide the ultimate in petrol station security cameras for your business, or upgrade an existing system, get in touch on 08 9400 6000.