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Shocking gas station robbery: operator calls for new law!
In Heilbronn, a gas station operator has increased security measures due to repeated robberies. Current developments and trends.
Shocking gas station robbery: operator calls for new law!
In recent weeks, two robberies at the TSR gas station in Offenau, Heilbronn district, have caused a stir. Operator Raimund Rossi reported that the robberies may have been caused by the same perpetrator. Both times the masked men targeted the cash register and demanded money. “The employees are instructed not to take any risks in such situations and to hand over the money,” explained Rossi. After one of the attacks, an employee resigned due to the traumatic experience.
The situation is alarming as gas stations are open 24 hours a day, making them common targets for criminals. In 2023, around 680 robberies at gas stations were recorded by the police in Germany. Although this value is a slight increase compared to the previous year, it is still below the figures of previous years. In 2019, the second lowest level in the last 30 years was recorded with only 579 cases.
Trends and security measures
Raimund Rossi has become increasingly concerned about security in the face of the attacks. The technical security measures include a silent alarm button that sends a message to the police in the event of an emergency. However, it takes the police an estimated ten minutes for the operation, while the perpetrators can usually escape in just two to three minutes. “I would like to see a law that requires helmets or masks to be removed before entering the sales room,” adds Rossi, in order to minimize the risk.
In the past, Germany experienced a decline in gas station robberies. Robberies are increasingly concentrated at gas stations in large and medium-sized cities, while rural areas are less affected. All over Germany, gas station operators are faced with modern security measures, such as video surveillance and alarm-protected safes. Training for employees on how to deal with dangerous situations and de-escalation are also part of the security concept.
Education and support for those affected
The nationwide clearance rate for gas station robberies was 65.2 percent in 2018. In some federal states, such as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony and Thuringia, all attacks were solved in the reporting year. This shows that a comprehensive prevention and security strategy is crucial to minimize the risk of attacks.
Many companies offer psychological aftercare programs for affected employees to provide them with support after traumatic experiences. Despite the risks, most (night) shifts in gas stations are peaceful. The operator Rossi is optimistic and hopes that cooperation with the police and continued effective security measures will enable a positive development in the fight against crime.
As seen at the beginning of the year, when a series of attacks took place in Kirchardt and Sulzfeld, the topic remains relevant. After the arrest of a suspected perpetrator who was linked to these attacks, the situation was able to calm down. Authorities continue to work on measures to increase security at gas stations and combat crime.