With the rise in opportunistic crimes, motorists and petrol station staff in South Africa are being urged to be vigilant and take simple steps to stay safe. Busy roads, heavy traffic, and early morning and evening travel have created an environment where criminals can easily target distracted motorists. Staying alert and aware of surroundings is an important part of personal security. Motorists are advised to be mindful of their surroundings, especially during peak travel hours.
Petrol stations are often familiar environments, which can cause people to become complacent and let their guard down. However, this familiarity can be a trap, as criminals look for opportunities to target distracted motorists. Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity Services Group, emphasizes the importance of staying alert and aware of surroundings. Motorists should avoid distractions such as using their phone while waiting and keep an eye on their surroundings.
To stay safe, motorists are advised to keep valuables out of sight, especially when stopping at a petrol station. This includes not leaving handbags, laptops, shopping bags, or mobile phones visible inside the vehicle. Where possible, valuables should be placed in the boot before arriving at the petrol station. Additionally, motorists should be cautious when getting in and out of their vehicle, checking their surroundings before opening their doors.
Choosing a well-lit and busy petrol station, especially at night, can also help minimize the risk of crime. If a station appears unusually quiet or makes you feel uncomfortable, it's best to consider travelling to another station. Motorists are also advised to watch for suspicious activity, such as vehicles that appear to be monitoring the premises, and report any concerns to petrol station staff or security.
When using ATMs at petrol stations, motorists should be aware of their surroundings and avoid unnecessarily displaying cash. If someone makes you uncomfortable, it's best to cancel the transaction and move away. Furthermore, motorists should never leave children unattended, especially in a vehicle while attending to other tasks. Petrol station staff also play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment.
Petrol station employees are often among the first people to notice when something is out of place. They should remain alert to unusual behaviour and follow established security procedures, particularly during busy periods and after dark. Staff should not confront suspicious individuals but instead alert a manager, security personnel, or the SAPS. They should also be cautious when handling cash and report suspicious activity promptly.
By taking these simple steps, motorists and petrol station staff can make safer decisions and reduce the risk of crime. Security starts before an incident happens, and being aware of surroundings, reducing distractions, and recognising when something feels unusual can help prevent crime. Motorists and petrol station employees are encouraged to report suspicious activity to their security provider and contact the SAPS where necessary.
Key points
- Motorists should stay alert and aware of their surroundings when stopping at a petrol station to minimize the risk of crime.
- Keeping valuables out of sight and being cautious when getting in and out of a vehicle can also help prevent crime.
- Petrol station staff play a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment and should remain alert to unusual behaviour and follow established security procedures.
