Ask any police officer, and they will tell you that gas stations are crime magnets. For the average citizen, stopping to fill up at the pump may be one of the most dangerous things you do as part of your daily life, whether you know it or not. According to an FBI report, in 2022 alone, 51,443 violent crimes occurred at gas stations and convenience stores in the United States.
There are some routine ways to improve your gas station security, such as filling up during daylight hours at familiar locations with visible security cameras. Sometimes, though, whether you’re on a road trip, or you find yourself needing to fill up at an unexpected time, you can’t avoid making a less than ideal stop for gas.
Let’s talk about some practical steps you can take to keep yourself and your family secure during both routine and unexpected gas station stops.
#1 Lock Your Doors
If you have children in the vehicle during a gas station stop, it’s a good idea to lock your doors while filling up. This will prevent a bad actor from accessing your vehicle, or your family, while you are tied up at the pump. Keep your keys handy in case you need to regain access to the driver’s seat in a hurry.
#2 Keep Your Head Up
We all feel the need to check our email or social media during downtime. The time to do this is not while you’re at the gas station. Put your phone away and keep your head up while at the pump. The best way to deter a bad actor is to be aware of your surroundings and identify the threat well before they are able to close in on you. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard with no time to react.
#3 Make Eye Contact
Making eye contact is a display of dominance in both the human and animal worlds. Looking someone in the eyes shows that you are confident and aware. Make a habit of making eye contact with people around you while you’re at the pump. This lets them know that you see them, that you are paying attention to your surroundings, and that you are not an easy target.
#4 Don’t Get Boxed In
The worst place to position yourself while filling up is in the tight space between your vehicle, the gas pump, and the gas hose. This effectively traps you, giving you only one direction to escape if necessary. As soon as you have paid and started the pump, step away from your vehicle and give yourself space. Return to the pump only once it’s time to go.
#5 Skip the Snacks
If at all possible, avoid the convenience store altogether. Out of those 51,443 violent crimes that occurred at gas stations and convenience stores in 2022, 31,104 of them were inside of a convenience store. C-stores are prime targets for robberies, since criminals can grab cash and get away fast. While it may be tempting to buy snacks or a beverage, you are much better off going to a grocery store or fast-food restaurant.
#6 Trust Your Instincts
Have you ever pulled into a gas station that immediately gave you a bad feeling? Maybe it was rundown, or poorly lit. Perhaps there were suspicious individuals loitering on the property.
Whatever the reason, if you pull into a gas station that gives you a bad feeling, even one you can’t quite put your finger on, trust your instincts. You may be picking up on something that you can’t fully express or understand in the moment – but that’s your survival instinct talking, and it’s always worth listening to.
