JGRA calls on gas station operators to exercise heightened vigilance, given increasing vulnerability

The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) has called on its members to exercise heightened vigilance, given the increasing vulnerability of the sector.

The call comes as the JGRA condemns recent robberies and violent attacks targeting service stations across the island.

The Association says the incidents have resulted in serious harm, including an employee who remains in critical condition after being robbed, shot and wounded at work yesterday.

JGRA President, Philip Chong, is appealing to members to be vigilant.

The Association is also encouraging members to upgrade their CCTV systems wherever possible.

According to the JGRA, enhanced surveillance will significantly improve investigative capabilities and support the efforts of the police and the Jamaica Eye programme with which it already has an established memorandum of understanding.

Meantime, the Association notes that service stations have largely transitioned away from cash handling and are moving toward a cashless model, with most transactions now conducted via credit and debit cards.

The JGRA said for the safety of its employees, customers will now be required to wind down their windows when conducting transactions with customer service agents.

It further expressed that it remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of its members, employees, and customers, and will continue to work closely with national security partners to address these threats.