Crime-prevention cash plea

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is calling for petrol stations to be eligible for the government’s fog cannon subsidy that is designed to help protect businesses from criminal behaviour.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently announced the government will provide $4,000 for all small shops and dairies across the country that want a fog cannon installed, with stores paying the balance.

Simon Bradwell, a spokesman for the MTA, says it supports the move following a number of “horrific recent events”.

“Fog cannons can be a useful tool to prevent crime, so we urge the government to ensure that fuel stations, which also provide an essential service to the community and are at risk of crime, are included,” he adds.

“In many cases, service stations sell a similar range of products as dairies and convenience stores. In most people’s eyes, if you can buy milk, a bag of chippies and a Coke, they’re shops. People often go there just for that purpose.

“What the government needs to do is confirm that they meet the definition of shops for the subsidy.”

The MTA says the wording of Ardern’s announcement did not make it clear whether fuel stations are included in the subsidy criteria. It notes it has asked the office of Chris Hipkins, Minister of Police, for clarity and was only told more details would be made available as soon as possible.

Bradwell highlights police statistics show that in the first six months of this year alone, there were 22 ram raids on petrol stations.

“Fuel stations are often open late and can indeed be vulnerable to attack,” he explains. “Smaller, more remote, and independent stations, in particular, need to be able to access the subsidy.

“Their business, stock – and most importantly, their people – are at risk, and need protection.”