New Zealand: Z Energy gas stations locking away cigarettes to avoid robberies
The danger of theft and violence against workers has pushed Kiwi fuel retailer Z Energy to lock-up its cigarettes as they become a new cash among robbers.
With the average packet of Marlboro costing around NZ$24 (USD$17), cigarettes have become a new target for thieves around New Zealand. Due to an increase in the number of robberies, Z Energy has announced it will be spending up to NZ$1 million in the installation of secure metal cigarette dispensers.
In total, 50 Z Energy petrol stations in Auckland will have secure tobacco dispensers with the installation of these beginning this month, reports Stuff.
These dispensers, which come at a cost of NZ$15,000 a piece, only allow workers to dispense one packet at a time. To reduce the threat of violence against gas station workers, the staff will not have access to the inside of tobacco dispensers.
"I think what’s changed is the threat to staff has increased. If you go back a year ago, staff may have been pushed out of the way, whereas now the offenders are coming in with weapons," said Z Energy station operator Wayne Kennerley.
The Kiwi fuel retailer will spend around NZ$4 million in theft prevention this year.
