A complete guide to gas station security cameras and systems

What is gas station security?

Gas station security is more than just installing a few cameras – it’s about creating a safe environment where everyone feels protected. With a blend of smart technology, thoughtful practices and a focus on protecting both the business and its employees, an effective fuel station security solution includes technologies like security cameras, building access control and on-site alarms used to detect and deter potential threats. Just as important as these security tools are the policies that keep staff safe and secure, making sure they can serve customers without worry. 

While the owner or general manager of the site will be in charge of developing, implementing and maintaining gas station security systems, all members of staff are responsible for operating technologies and upholding safety policies. To support staff in these tasks, modern gas station security systems can be designed to identify risks automatically with aid from smart integrations.

Gas station security cameras are among the most important components of an effective security system, enabling staff to observe key areas at all times. Gas station cameras installed around and inside the property help workers spot suspicious activities promptly and discreetly, allowing them to preemptively respond to risks. They also act as a visible deterrent to would-be intruders.

The importance of gas station security

FBI data reveals that convenience stores and gas stations have been the site of almost 14% of reported robberies and 4.5% of violent crimes in recent years. While businesses across the US have seen a notable rise in physical security incidents recently, gas stations and convenience stores face several unique threats.

Physical assaults

According to data published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 63,500 violent crimes occur around US gas stations per year. As many gas stations are situated in secluded areas and open 24/7, they’re often viewed as a prime target for criminal activities. Robust gas station security systems enable employees to spot and address such activities with prompt efficiency.

Robberies and theft

Strong physical security measures, such as safes, security doors, access systems and the presence of gas station security guards ensure valuable assets are adequately protected. By limiting access to valuable assets like money, saleable goods, electronics and fuel, gas station owners and workers can reliably reduce the likelihood of criminals targeting their businesses.

Antisocial behavior

Gas station and convenience store staff can fall victim to aggressive or disruptive behavior from customers and people loitering outside. The operation of gas station cameras, alarms, access systems and other smart security devices help staff to both spot unfolding incidents before they escalate and deter aggressors from causing trouble.

Fuel-related hazards

Gas station staff must also have provisions in place to protect them from hazards related to the handling of flammable fuel. Gas station security systems often include smart sensors configured to measure fuel levels, identify leaks and warn staff of fuel spills. Fire, heat and smoke sensors linked to alarms and fire suppression systems can also be used to reduce the impact of fires.

Active-harmer events

The threat of armed robberies and assaults involving deadly weapons are major concerns for gas station and convenience store staff. To combat these threats, convenience store security systems often include weapon detection scanners installed at all access points, and cameras equipped with video analytics tools designed to automatically detect the presence of weapons.

Essential components of gas station security systems 

To help gas station and convenience store owners protect their businesses from threats like theft and vandalism, customized security systems are a must. By combining various security measures that work together and respond automatically, owners can give their teams reliable tools to handle and reduce common risks. 

Here are some key components of gas station surveillance systems that every owner should consider.

Gas station surveillance systems

Well-managed video security systems, such as IP surveillance cameras, are central to gas station security. Using a combination of integrated technologies, business owners can view live security feeds around the clock to ensure reliable visibility over key assets and locations. An effective gas station surveillance system will include cameras, alarms, access systems and sensors linked in a unified management platform, offering staff a holistic view of security events.

Gas station security cameras also act as a deterrent to antisocial and criminal behavior. With data suggesting the presence of visible cameras deter as many as 60% of burglars. Different types of gas station cameras are effective in different locations. Common examples include:

• Bullet cameras: Bullet surveillance cameras record high-quality images at long range with a narrow field of view. They’re best used to cover building perimeters and outdoor areas where long-distance surveillance will be beneficial.
• Dome cameras: Dome surveillance cameras produce wide-angle footage at close range and feature hard-wearing casings to defend against vandalism. They’re best used to cover large areas like shop floors, storage rooms and offices from a single vantage point.
• Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras: PTZ surveillance cameras feature motorized parts that enable operators to adjust viewing positions remotely. This provides staff the ability to track moving subjects across large areas like forecourts and loading bays.
• Turret cameras: Turret surveillance cameras feature a ball-and-socket joint that enables viewing positions to be adjusted manually. They’re particularly effective in areas where layouts often change such as stock rooms and shop floors.
• License plate recognition (LPR) cameras: License plate reader cameras feature built-in video analytics tools capable of identifying and storing license plate data. LPR cameras can be configured to autonomously detect the presence of unknown vehicles.

Business owners must assess their properties to highlight key locations where specific types of gas station cameras will be most effective. When considering how to position security cameras, stakeholders must ensure each device records unobstructed footage on a reliable basis. Gas station cameras should also be installed in areas inaccessible to the public to deter vandalism.

Gas station cameras can be further optimized via integrations with video analytics tools. AI-powered software can be configured to autonomously detect suspicious activities like crowds forming, persons carrying contraband items and other anomalous events. Business owners can then be notified remotely and wider security systems can be engaged to address security risks.

Access control

Access control systems are important as they provide an extra layer of obstruction for intruders trying to access high-risk areas like stock rooms, registers and cash-counting areas. Employees can request access to these areas by presenting personalized credentials to stationary readers.

If presented credentials match a set stored in a centralized database, access to the area will be granted. Gas station security staff may also receive instant alerts warning of suspicious activity.

Different types of credentials can be used to secure different areas. Simple PIN codes or key card readers are most effective in high-traffic areas to ensure convenient access for staff and authorized guests. High-risk locations like stock rooms, safe rooms and fuel storage areas can be locked behind advanced biometric access readers to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Access events will be recorded automatically, enabling gas station security teams to review historical data when investigating incidents. Business owners can also integrate access readers alongside gas station cameras to automatically capture and flag footage of suspicious events.

Alarm systems and sensors

Alarm systems and sensors are designed to observe, detect and alert business owners to the presence of security risks like fires, chemical spills, gas leaks and intrusion events. Alarms can be connected to various sensors, including motion, sound, pressure, heat and smoke detectors. ensuring potential threats are identified and addressed efficiently.

Unique commercial security installations can be developed to meet requirements in different industries. For example, gas station security systems will benefit from fuel sensor alarms and overfill alarm systems designed to instantly warn staff of fuel leaks and attempted fuel theft. 

These specialized gas station security systems can be connected to wider devices like smart locks and cameras, with automated responses programmed to lockdown the site as required.

Panic buttons

Panic buttons are another essential gas station and convenience store security measure that business owners can utilize. These devices can be installed in stock rooms, money-counting areas and at cash registers, enabling staff to discreetly request assistance from security teams and authorities in the event of an emergency. Once pressed, details of the time and location of the incident will be sent to authorized admins and law enforcement without alerting offenders.

Effective lighting

Ensuring perimeters, forecourts, access points and shop floors are always well-lit can help to deter criminality and support the operation of wider technologies like gas station cameras. Lights equipped with motion detectors can also help employees identify suspicious activities in less-frequented areas of the site. This helps them remain informed and alert to risks at all times.

Security guards

Gas station security systems will only be effective if they’re observed and controlled by trained security professionals. With access to live security data feeds, gas station security guards can ensure all areas of the premises are well-protected 24/7. Security officers can also plan patrols of the premises in response to live alerts and priortize active areas.

Best practices for maintaining gas station security systems

To ensure gas station surveillance systems function effectively on a permanent basis, business owners must commit to continuous maintenance. Hardware components must be checked and cleaned regularly, and operating software should be updated to patch exploitable vulnerabilities.

To plan effective maintenance routines, consider the following best practices:

1. Perform frequent software updates 

All software solutions used to manage gas station security systems must be frequently updated to ensure no new vulnerabilities are exposed to cybercriminals. Check with service providers to see if new patches are available on a regular basis. Security teams should systematically review all security management platforms every 6 – 12 months to ensure no key devices are overlooked.

2. Provide continuous staff training 

New vulnerabilities and security exploits are discovered almost daily, including cybersecurity threats and trends related to physical security incidents. Frequent staff training sessions are necessary to ensure all employees know how to identify, report and respond to threats safely. 

Training should cover best practices like how to avoid tailgating incidents, how to lock down the site, how to respond to shoplifters and how to evacuate the premises safely. Gas station and convenience store security teams should also create documents and checklists outlining safe incident responses. With this information made available to staff in an easily-accessible format.

Special attention should be given to risk awareness for lone workers. Protocols must be created for emergency responses to common risks like active harmer events, fires, burglaries, assaults and fuel spills. Staff must know how to use communication devices and panic buttons to contact security teams and local authorities, as well as how to shelter in place while awaiting response.

3. Inspect and clean security hardware

Gas station security cameras can become dirty and damaged over time, especially if they’re installed outdoors or in dust-filled areas. Maintenance routines must include regular checks of all security cameras to ensure camera lenses are clean and housings are free from damage. 

Similar processes should be applied to all other gas station security devices. This includes checking that sensors are functioning properly, access systems are damage-free and alarms are working correctly. It’s wise to create a maintenance checklist and logbook for teams to use when inspecting systems to ensure checks are logged for future reference.

4. Manage and organize security footage

Security footage must be stored and organized appropriately to limit the risk of data breaches and support future security investigations. Data must be stored in password-protected storage systems, and provisions must be made to destroy old footage regularly to make space for new files. Ordinary gas station surveillance footage will typically be destroyed after 30 – 90 days.

Considerations for developing gas station security systems

Effective gas station security systems meet the unique needs of individual businesses. Gas station and convenience store owners should consider the following factors when designing and developing bespoke security installations.

1. Cost

Teams must consider the cost of hardware and software, as well as installation expenses. Costs can be mitigated by choosing wide-angle cameras to cover large areas with less hardware. Installing wireless cameras can also reduce potential installation costs. 

2. Legality

Legality is another factor to consider when developing gas station security systems. Business owners must navigate local, state and federal laws regarding the safe use of security systems and storage of security data. At a minimum, signage should be installed to notify the public that gas station security systems are operating across the site.

3. Placements

Business owners must work with security professionals to ensure devices like cameras, alarms and sensors are installed in optimal positions. Cameras must continuously provide clear footage of target areas, with appropriate security camera types selected to ensure great visibility.

Cameras, sensors and alarms must also be installed in areas that cannot be accessed by the general public to mitigate risks like vandalism and tampering. However, provisions should be made to ensure staff have reliable access to these devices to perform routine maintenance.

4. Integrations

Gas station surveillance systems can be enhanced via intelligent integrations. Business owners should consider the benefits of combining individual components into a single system to enable the creation of automated responses.

For example, access readers may be integrated into cameras to ensure footage of suspicious access events is recorded and flagged automatically. Other integrations include linking motion sensors to access systems to lock doors automatically in response to movement or integrating video analytics tools into security camera systems to automatically identify anomalous events.

Conclusion

While numerous factors can cause criminals to target gas stations and convenience stores, business owners have access to many security technologies capable of mitigating threats. By installing, operating and maintaining thoughtfully-integrated gas station security systems, employees and security teams can be provided actionable information and effective tools to improve responses.

When developing gas station and convenience store security systems, business owners must ensure installations are designed to meet their organization’s unique needs. Reliable systems can be created when plans account for cost, legality, maintenance and updates.