Sheetz is using K-9 units at three of its Greensboro, North Carolina, convenience stores, according to local news station FOX8 WGHP. Sheetz implemented the new security measure at its locations on West Wendover Avenue, West Market Street and Spring Garden Street, according to the newscast.
“The safety of our customers and employees at Sheetz is a top priority,” Nick Ruffner, public relations manager for Sheetz, said in a statement to CSP. “We continually assess which stores need additional support and have implemented supplemental security measures, including K-9 units, at several Greensboro store locations as an additional safety measure.”
Video footage from FOX8 showed signs outside of Sheetz saying, “Your safety is our priority! K-9 units on-site.”
- Sheetz is No. 12 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by size.
The K-9s came from American K-9 Interdiction, FOX8 reporters said. James Overton, director of marketing and business development for American K-9 Interdiction, confirmed to CSP via email that his company is in partnership with Sheetz “to augment the existing safety protocols they have in place as the safety of their staff and guests is their [No. 1] priority.”
American K-9 and Sheetz declined to provide further details on the K-9s.
- Click here to read the 2023 CSP cover story Crime & Safety: When Prevention Isn't Enough.
Retail crime has been a prevalent issue in convenience stores. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and other retail trade associations have asked Congress to look into ways to make reporting crimes easier and less burdensome for businesses and law enforcement, among other things. Several c-stores have also closed locations due to safety concerns. Ballston Spa, New York-based Stewart’s Shops, for example, said in November it was closing an Albany, New York, location due to a surge in theft, robberies and threats of violence.
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