In a constant state of unease, Z Energy service stations have installed an integrated digital security system at the cost up to $20 million.
Mark Forsyth, general manager retail Z Energy, says that it is not only about installing fog cannons, but also about working on an environmental design that makes it safer for everyone involved. Fog cannons dispenses fog so dense that the offenders cannot even see their own hand. Environmental designs mean no big trees to shield the outer view, bright led lighting and clean lines which make it possible to spot a dodgy character from a distance – even at 3am.
Making sure that staff are safe behind glass doors are the steel bollards; high quality digital CCTV that helps police with facial recognition; a license plate recognition camera system that alerts those behind the counter, way before the person has stepped into the gas station.
“There is a safe where all the cash goes in so there is no cash to steal. Two keys are required to open the safe and staff only have one. It means that people go to jail for stealing 40 bucks.” says Mr Forsyth.
Being a bigger organisation, Z Energy (203 sites) has invested millions in sophisticated hardware and software to create situational awareness and train staff.
“A DNA spray just above the door can squirt the offender with a spray without them knowing about it. And you can’t wash it,” Mr Forsyth says.
“The cops can use an infrared light on the suspect and it will reveal the location and time of offending.”
A steel cigarette dispensing machine behind the counter is also wired to the computer and makes it impossible to steal tobacco.
“With all the security measures in place, staff members have more time to escape to a safe room that has a reinforced steel door. Once inside they can raise an alarm and press the button to the fog cannon,” says Wayne Kennerley, who operates multiple Z outlets in the area.
“We have to constantly think ahead and keep updating our security systems. All these measures have dramatically reduced the crime rate at our gas stations.”
From the number of recently-reported aggravated robberies at dairies in the Waikato, the youth offenders have moved out of Auckland. Word on the street has it that a break-in at Z Energy is just not worth their trouble.
