Call to protect service station staff

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is calling for the government to do more to protect “vulnerable” workers in service stations from violent crime.

Its message comes after it was announced an extra 90 police officers will be going on the beat over the next two years across Auckland’s three policing districts, Wellington and Christchurch.

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster explains the move is in response to communities affected by anti-social behaviour and retail crime wanting police to have greater visibility.

Lee Marshall, MTA’s chief executive says while the announcement is good news for retailers and the public in CBDs, it may not bring much benefit to its members who are targeted by criminals.

“There are not many service stations in Queen Street or Lambton Quay,” he adds.

“There’s been at least 69 violent robberies on service stations this year, not to mention petrol theft and shop-lifting. Each robbery puts staff at risk of physical injury and inflicts stress and trauma.

“As a starting point, we would like to see more measures like the night checks police performed on service stations at the height of the crime wave earlier this year.”

Marshall, pictured, says the MTA wants the government and police to move to protect vulnerable staff in service stations who are at risk of smash-and-grab robberies and ram raids.

He accepts the solutions for addressing crime are complex and adds the MTA understands and is sympathetic to the challenges faced by officials.

“The first thing we would ask is government engages with us and similar organisations to understand the issues and work together towards solutions.”