Warning about petrol stations in South Africa

Motorists have been warned that petrol stations remain a hotspot for opportunistic criminal activities in South Africa.

Forecourts are incredibly convenient, allowing drivers to stop for fuel, groceries, and cash withdrawals from ATMs.

However, motorists tend to be distracted at these locations, using their phones, leaving valuables on display in their cars while entering the convenience store, and paying little attention to their surroundings.

This makes petrol stops an ideal target for criminals willing to engage in brazen tactics like smash-and-grabs and hijackings, particularly after dark.

Tyron Powell, managing director of Marshall Security, recently commented that forecourts have historically been viewed as brightly lit and populated “safe hubs.”

This is changing due to evolving criminal behaviour, increasing the risk faced by motorists at these locations.

Criminals have been known to stake out petrol stations, waiting for distracted drivers who create easy opportunities for quick-grab theft or smash-and-grabs.

Furthermore, signal-jamming tactics have increased at fuel stops. This refers to a method criminals use to interfere with the locking signal emitted by a car’s key fob.

The victim will press the button to lock their car and walk away, but the car remains open, allowing the thieves to swoop in and grab anything they can.

Armed robberies are also more of a risk at night when forecourts typically have fewer staff and customers.

Tracker South Africa previously noted that late afternoons and evenings are the highest-risk times for hijackings, with incidents peaking between 16h00 and 21h00.

The Fidelity Services Group, meanwhile, said motorists should not zone out at petrol stations just because they are a familiar location.

“Petrol stations are familiar environments, and that familiarity can sometimes cause people to switch off from their surroundings. Criminals look for opportunities, and a distracted motorist can be an easy target,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity.

Hattingh said motorists should remain alert while filling up and avoid unnecessary distractions like using a phone.

Additionally, valuables such as phones, handbags, cash, and laptops should never be left on a car seat and should be kept out of sight, preferably in the boot.

Motorists should check their surroundings when exiting their vehicles, and alert petrol station staff and security personnel of suspicious activity.

When travelling at night, only visit well-lit stations with activity. If a location is unusually quiet, moving to a different forecourt may be the safer option.

Don’t withdraw cash at an ATM if you suspect you are being watched, and don’t leave children unattended in the car.

If you suspect you are being followed after leaving the station, do not drive home. Instead, travel to a busy location and contact the South African Police Service or a private security provider.