JGRA urges gas stations to tighten security after gun attack and robbery of pump attendant
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Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association President, Philip Chong. – File photo.
The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) is calling for gas station operators to tighten security following yesterday's shooting of a pump attendant on Deanery Road in St Andrew during a brazen robbery that ended with two alleged gunmen being fatally shot by police.
In a statement on Thursday, JGRA President Philip Chong condemned the recent attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence that has left employees increasingly vulnerable.
The female attendant remains in critical condition at hospital.
Hours later, police fatally shot two men believed to have been involved after they reportedly confronted officers during an operation in Spanish Town, St Catherine.
One of the deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Xavier Flowers, and an unidentified man known only as ‘Gunners’.
Chong urged operators to remain vigilant and appealed to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to maintain regular patrols at service stations despite resource constraints.
"The recent shooting of a hardworking breadwinner, someone simply trying to support their family, is a tragic and senseless act that demands swift resolution," Chong said.
The association is also encouraging operators to upgrade their closed-circuit television systems, arguing that enhanced surveillance would strengthen criminal investigations and support the JamaicaEye programme, with which the JGRA has an existing memorandum of understanding.
Chong noted that many service stations have already reduced their exposure to robberies by moving away from cash transactions, with most purchases now made using debit and credit cards.
As an added security measure, customers will now be required to lower their vehicle windows while conducting transactions with attendants to improve visibility and enhance employee safety.
The JGRA also expressed sympathy to the injured attendant's family and reaffirmed its commitment to working with law enforcement to protect service station operators, employees and customers.
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