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Petrol stations are places people often visit quickly for fuel, snacks, cash withdrawals, or late-night essentials. Because they operate for long hours and handle cash, they can sometimes become targets for armed robberies, especially during quieter periods or after dark.

While nobody expects to be caught in a robbery, knowing how to respond can help reduce panic and lower the risk of injury. During any armed robbery, personal safety should always come before money or belongings.

Why Petrol Stations Can be Higher-Risk Areas

Petrol stations are designed for convenience, which means people generally arrive distracted. Motorists are often focused on payment, fuel, phones, children, or items inside the shop.

Criminals may target distracted customers, particularly in poorly lit or quieter areas. Late-night stops can carry higher risks because there are fewer people and less activity around the forecourt.

This does not mean petrol stations should be avoided, but it does mean people should remain alert and aware of their surroundings.

Stay Aware Before You Stop

Before pulling into a petrol station, quickly assess the area. If it feels unsafe, poorly lit, or unusually quiet, consider driving to another location.

Choose petrol stations that are well-lit, busy, and easy to exit. Avoid parking far from the shop entrance or in isolated corners.

When you arrive, avoid sitting in your vehicle for long periods before or after filling up. Distracted motorists are often easier targets.

What to Do During a Robbery

If an armed robbery takes place, stay calm and avoid sudden movements.

Do not argue, resist, or attempt to intervene. Property can be replaced, but lives cannot. Follow instructions carefully and avoid behaviour that could escalate the situation.

Keep your hands visible and move slowly if asked to do something. If your phone, wallet, handbag, or keys are demanded, hand them over without resistance.

Sudden movements or attempts to interfere may put you and others at greater risk.

If You Are Inside the Shop

If you are inside the shop when a robbery begins, avoid drawing attention to yourself. Stay quiet, move slowly, and follow instructions.

Do not reach for your phone while the robbery is happening. Any attempt to call for help will only increase the tension.

If it is safe to do so, try to remember basic details such as clothing, direction of travel, number of suspects, or vehicle information without staring directly at the robbers.

If You Are Near Your Vehicle

If you are outside near your vehicle, remain still unless instructed otherwise. Avoid trying to drive away while the robbery is underway unless you are already safely out of danger.

Sudden vehicle movement may create panic and place staff, customers, or yourself at risk.

If children are in the vehicle, stay calm and speak softly if possible. The priority is to keep everyone still and safe until the danger has passed.

What to Do Afterwards

Once the robbers have left and it is safe to move, get to a secure area and contact emergency services immediately.

Avoid touching anything the robbers may have handled, as this could interfere with evidence. If anyone is injured, request medical assistance as quickly as possible.

Witnesses should provide simple and accurate information, including:

• The location of the petrol station.
• The number of suspects, if known.
• Whether weapons were seen.
• The direction the suspects went.
• Vehicle details, if safely noticed.
• Whether anyone requires medical help.

Never follow suspects. This should be left to law enforcement and trained responders.

Supporting Children After a Robbery

Witnessing a robbery can be frightening, especially for children. Afterwards, children may feel anxious, emotional, or unsettled.

Parents should reassure them that they are safe and allow them to speak about the experience without pressure. If a child continues to struggle emotionally, additional support may be needed.

Staying Prepared Matters

Armed robberies are unpredictable, and staying calm while avoiding actions that could escalate the situation is always the safest response.

Simple habits like staying alert, choosing well-lit petrol stations, limiting distractions, and knowing how to call for help can make a difference during an emergency.

With access to emergency medical, roadside, and security assistance through the iER App, users can connect to help faster during emergencies, helping improve response times and providing added peace of mind when it really matters.