The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has praised the New Zealand Police for its response to a recent run of robberies on fuel stations.
In early March, CCTV footage showed nine offenders attacking a service station in Western Springs, leaving one staff member badly shaken. According to the owner, the robbery was the eighth on one of his stations since the start of this year.
Following the most recent incident, the Police conducted 94 “prevention visits” to various stations on the evening of 7 March 2024, according to a media release by MTA. The Association says the action was a “step in the right direction”.
“It’s great to see police responding to the issue, and giving reassurance and support to businesses,” says Lee Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of MTA.
“It’s a serious problem, and it does show police are taking the problem seriously. Time will tell if they have a long-term benefit.
“Patrols for one or two nights are great but aren’t the only answer. We need long-term solutions to a problem that is causing substantial damage to businesses, and trauma and stress to staff.
“Someone is at real risk of serious injury, or worse, if this continues.”
Marshall added that in order to prevent crime from getting worse on forecourts, the Government must do more to address it.
“We would happily meet with Government, as would service station owners and other at-risk retailers,” he says.
“The problem won’t go away on its own, so we’re asking for real leadership from the Government on the issue.”
